The Clean Air Act Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Portland’

Sounds That Can Indicate the Need for Repair for Your AC

Thursday, July 31st, 2014

Just as people sneeze when suffering from allergies or a cold, your air conditioner will also display some common sounds when it doesn’t feel well. However, deciphering what is and isn’t a “bad” sound can be hard for the untrained ear, especially when it comes to identifying the need for air conditioning repairs.

To help you identify sounds that can indicate a developing problem, our Clean Air Act technicians have put together a list of some of the most common “problematic” sounds:

Hissing

Hissing can indicate a couple of serious things: the first is a refrigerant leak, and the second is an issue with your compressor. Refrigerant leaks can hiss because at certain parts during the cooling cycle, the refrigerant is under high pressure (you may also hear a bubbling sound with the hissing sound). If the hissing sound is coming from the compressor, you may have a leaky valve or the compressor itself may be malfunctioning. Both of these types of problems require timely professional repair.

Banging/Clunking

If your AC makes a sound or sounds akin to sneakers in a dryer, there is a very good chance something has come loose and is banging around your system. Typical components that do this are bent/loose fan blades and loose motor mounts. Having components bump around your system is never a good thing as they can cause damage, so once you hear that noise, call an expert.

Screeching

This is a very serious sound; if you hear it coming from your air conditioner, turn it off immediately and call your technician. Screeching sounds can indicate that the pressure inside your compressor is too high; a compressor under too much pressure can blow. Repairing compressors is not a DIY kind of job, especially when one is screeching. Instead, call a professional right away.

Making strange sounds is just one of the ways your air conditioner can tell you when something is wrong, so don’t ignore them. Most air conditioning problems do not repair themselves on their own, and the longer you let them go, the worse the problems can get. If you are hearing abnormal sounds coming from your air conditioner, call Clean Air Act now and let our trained experts help you with your air conditioning repair in Portland.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Portland
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3 Problems That Can Happen with Geothermal System

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014

When it comes to reliable heating and cooling for a house, geothermal heat pumps offer one of the best options available today. Using the stable heat of the earth as a medium for exchange, a geothermal heat pump can provide heating and air conditioning that is far more efficient than that of an air-source heat pump. No matter the temperature outside, you can turn on your geothermal system and receive the comfort you need.

Although geothermal systems have remarkable durability (the ground loops can last for more than 50 years), they can still sometimes run into problems. When any of these problems occur, you need to contact professionals in geothermal air conditioning repair in Portland, OR to handle the work. Clean Air Act can handle the geothermal services you need to restore your system whenever you encounter any of the problems below.

Leaky ground loops: This is thankfully uncommon, because the plastic loops that circulate the water through the system (or circulate a solution of water and anti-freeze) are made from strong materials and will not corrode like metal pipes. But leaking can still occur, and if you notice a loss of heating or cooling, leaks along the loops may be the issue. Repair technicians can track leaks by placing a dye into the system and then locating where on the surface the water is escaping. The technicians can then excavate a small area to reach the damaged loop and seal it.
Scale build-up in the loops: If you use an open-loop system that circulates water from the municipal system, the loops can begin to pick of mineral scale from impurities in the water supply. This scale can eventually cause the loops to develop clogging and high water pressure. Technicians will use an acid-flush to clean out the loops.
Standard heat pump problems: Keep in mind that for all its advantages, a geothermal system is still a heat pump similar in many ways to an air-source heat pump and can suffer from the same types of repair problems. The interior cabinet components could suffer from breakdowns due to wear and tear, such as broken blower motors, electrical connection failures, and frost appearing over the coils. Most of the time, the repairs that you will need for your geothermal systems won’t have anything to do with the buried loops, and your technician will be able to take care of the necessary work above-ground.

If you detect a drop in the heating or cooling reliability of your ground-source heat pump, call for professional repair work right away. Installing a geothermal system is not a DIY job, and neither are repairs for one.

Clean Air Act is available 24 hours a day with emergency heating and air conditioning repair in Portland, OR. We specialize in geothermal repairs and replacements, so make us your first choice when you need help with your ground-source heat pump.

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Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Buzzing Noise?

Tuesday, July 8th, 2014

You’re used to the hum of your air conditioning welcoming you home on a warm summer day. But what happens when this familiar sound becomes overshadowed by something else? One common noise you may hear from your AC system is a loud buzzing sound coming from your outdoor unit. Don’t let this sound ruin your familiar summer soundtrack. If you hear any strange noises coming from your AC, turn off the unit and call a professional technician for air conditioning repair.

Here Are Some of the Reasons You May Hear a Buzzing Noise in Your AC Unit

Loose Parts

A buzzing sound may indicate loose or damaged parts within your system. Loose bearings, for example, may occasionally rub against one another. While this may not seem like a huge problem at first, it may cause other components of your system to suffer premature wear and leave you with a system that breaks down when you need it most.

Motor Issues

Your AC unit relies on motors to operate the compressor and the fans. If anything interferes with this motor, such as a bent blade, or a lack of lubrication, a buzzing noise may occur. A defective motor can eventually cause your fans to stop working, or it can lead to a faulty compressor that won’t properly cool your home. It’s imperative that motor issues are checked as soon as possible to avoid a malfunctioning system later on.

Other Electrical Problem

Buzzing may often indicate any number of electrical issues, such as a loose contactor for the capacitor in your system, which requires the expertise of a professional to diagnose. Never attempt to fix electrical components on your own; a technician is far more qualified to keep your home and air conditioning system safe during repairs.

That mysterious buzzing is never a friendly sound. When you encounter strange noises from your air conditioning unit in Portland, trust the professionals to locate the source of the problem and give you back that familiar AC hum. For air conditioning repair in Portland, call Clean Air Act today!

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Portland
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How Do Technicians Detect AC Refrigerant Leaks?

Friday, June 27th, 2014

Your AC works much like a refrigerator; it moves heat from the inside of your home to the outside. Refrigerant is vital to this process. As it cycles through the AC system, it changes from a liquid to a gas and back again. This allows the refrigerant to absorb the heat in your home and release it outside so that indoor blowers can circulate cool air.

If your system has a refrigerant leak, it will not be able to complete this cycle, which may result in reduced cooling or no cooling at all. While this may initially cause only a little discomfort, the leak could force the evaporator coils to freeze, which may eventually cause system failure. It’s important to remember that only an AC technician is qualified to handle refrigerant and check for leaks, which are usually not visible to the human eye alone.

A technician may detect refrigerant leaks either during a scheduled maintenance call or when you call for air conditioning repair. You should call for repair as soon as you experience problems with your system. However, sometimes the leak is small enough that you don’t immediately notice the signs. This is why you should consider scheduling maintenance to check for common AC problems such as refrigerant leaks. We recommend scheduling maintenance once a year to decrease the chances of a serious leak that halts your AC system.

One sign of leaking refrigerant that your technician will look for is frozen evaporator coils. However, this symptom is not enough to determine the source of the leak. Refrigerant moves through your AC system rapidly via a looped tubing system with hundreds of connectors to help join the various twists and turns. Sometimes, refrigerant works its way slowly out of one of these joints. In many cases, leaks can only be located with a specific refrigerant detector that pinpoints the location of the leak.

Refrigerant leaks can be caught early with regular maintenance checks by a qualified technician. If you suspect a leak, don’t wait to call for repairs. When you run into problems and need reliable Portland air conditioning repair service, call Clean Air Act today!

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Portland
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Repairs That Will Make Your AC Run More Efficiently This Summer

Thursday, June 12th, 2014

Repairs aren’t just for when there is a total breakdown with your system; you can actually make repairs that can help prevent bigger problems from developing. We have seen this happen over and over again at Clean Air Act: a small issue gets ignored until it becomes a big problem that usually costs a lot more to fix. You can avoid serious problems by scheduling your air conditioning repairs quickly.

Common Repairs That Can Make Your AC Run Better

These are some of the more common repairs we have done for our Portland customers that have helped increase their energy efficiency:

Leaky Ductwork

Leaky ductwork can be responsible for up to 30% of total air loss in your air conditioning system. Ducts leak air due to holes, cracks, or poor connections. By having your ductwork inspected once a year, you can keep on top of any leaks that may have developed, and save money and energy at the same time.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can start off quite small – so small that their presence can be hard to detect. The one thing you can count on when it comes to refrigerant leaks is that they will become worse, so even if you can’t detect it, your air conditioning technician can. Refrigerant leaks can lead to reduced cooling power, icing on the coils, and possible breakdown, so it’s best to take care of a refrigerant leak sooner rather than later.

Damaged/Broken Fans

There are two fans in your air conditioning system: the condenser fan and the indoor blower. These fans help with the heat release and cooling process, as well as to keep air moving through your system. Typical fan problems can include:

Motor issues
Electrical issues
Broken or bent fan blades
Worn or broken fan belts

When one of the fans malfunctions for any reason, the cooling process and air flow will most likely become compromised, leading to repairs that can be large. As such, having your fans repaired can help save you money and discomfort by attending to them quickly.

Be More Efficient by Scheduling Professional AC Repairs

Attending to air conditioning repairs quickly helps your air conditioner to run better; it also prevents small problems from turning into large ones. The longevity of your air conditioner is tied to how well it runs during regular use; an air conditioner in need of repair is not one that runs well, so premature wear-and-tear can set in. Call Clean Air Act today to schedule air conditioning repairs in Portland, OR and let us help your AC be more efficient.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Portland
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How Your Thermostat Affects Your Air Conditioning

Friday, May 23rd, 2014

Your air conditioner is a big system, but it is all triggered by one small component: your thermostat. Today’s thermostats have gotten very tech-savvy, but unless your thermostat tells the system to turn on, it won’t – which is why, when your thermostat has problems, it affects the whole system. That is also why as soon as you notice issues with your thermostat you should contact the thermostat experts at Clean Air Act Inc.

Thermostats aren’t the most complicated piece of your air conditioner, but they can cause discomfort and problems when they aren’t working the way they should. Eliminating the possibility that your thermostat could be causing you problems with your air conditioning in Portland can help your Clean Air Act technician pinpoint problems more succinctly. Here is a list of issues we’ve come across in our 14 years of working on air conditioners:

Air conditioner not starting
Air conditioner not stopping
Short cycling
Program resets on its own (for programmable thermostats)
Room temperature does not match setting on thermostat (could be warmer or colder)
Generalized problems with display (no back light, no screen appearing, etc.)

Effects of a Malfunctioning Thermostat

When your thermostat malfunctions, it can have a few effects, depending on what is malfunctioning. Obviously if your air conditioner won’t start or stop, it’s pretty clear what the problems are. But what happens when the thermostat creates some of the other problems listed above?

Short cycling – not only can it become uncomfortable in your home: short cycling can cause premature wear-and-tear, potential breakdown and a jump in your utility bill.

Program resetting – the programmable feature on your thermostat helps control how when your system runs. If the program keeps resetting, you can lose the benefit of energy efficiency that comes with programming your air conditioner. This may cause a jump up in your energy bill.

Varying room temperatures – uneven cooling can be uncomfortable, and if your thermostat is in a part of your home that is warmer, it can trigger the thermostat to keep the system running more than it should.

Display problems – not seeing your thermostat settings is irritating and potentially costly. After all, if you can’t see what temperature is set, you can’t set your thermostat to be effective.

Get It Fixed

Most problems with thermostats are relatively minor and do not require tremendous work – but letting them go may cause bigger problems down the road. Since your air conditioner uses electricity to run, we strongly recommend having your Clean Air Act specialist take a look at any problems you may experience with your thermostat.

Have questions about the thermostat for your Portland air conditioning? Schedule an appointment with the experts at Clean Air Act today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Portland
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3 Issues with Your Air Conditioner Fan Speed

Friday, May 16th, 2014

There are 2 fans in your air conditioning system: one in the condenser unit and another in the air handler. Both fans have an equal part in cooling your home. If you begin to notice a change in your fan’s speed – it seems too fast or slow – there are 3 key areas to have your Portland air conditioning technician from Clean Air Act inspect on your AC system:

Motor Issues

Each fan has its own motor. Like any other motor, the fan motor has its own wiring, etc., that powers it. If something in the motor has broken down, such as an electrical connection, has bad wiring or some other operating issue, the fan won’t turn.

Fan Belts

Fan belts can become stretched, cracked and break during normal wear-and-tear. This can result in a slow-turning fan or one that isn’t turning at all. The belt itself cannot be fixed, but it can be easily replaced by your Clean Air Act technician.

Malfunctioning Run Capacitor

Run capacitors create the rotating magnetic field in your system’s condenser fan. A capacitor that is malfunctioning or failing can cause the fan’s motor to slow down and/or overheat. In most cases like this, the run capacitor needs to be replaced.

Ways to Help Maintain Your Air Conditioner’s Fans

Every part of your air conditioner is going to experience wear-and-tear, but there are things that can be done to extend the life of the fans in your system.

First, putting your fan on the correct setting on your thermostat is important. Most fans come with 3 settings: on, off and auto. When running your air conditioning system, it can be confusing to know which setting is better, the on or auto switch. The auto switch sets the fans to run in accordance with your thermostat; they’ll go on when your system automatically turns on. The on switch means that the fans will run continuously, and not according to the thermostat. By leaving your fan switch to on, you may run the risk of premature wearing.

Second, fans in your air conditioner will get dirty. With regular bi-annual maintenance, they will get cleaned and inspected, helping to ensure that they are running optimally.

If you think you may have an issue with the fans in your air conditioner, call Clean Air Act and schedule an appointment to have one of our technicians take a look at your system. You can count on us to help you enjoy quality air conditioning in Portland.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Portland
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Common Air Conditioning Problems in the Spring

Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

The mild spring weather in Portland, OR means that most homeowners won’t need to run their air conditioners often. Not until the summer arrives will ACs switch into regular operation to keep homes cool.

Air conditioners can still run into problems during spring operation. You need to pay special attention to your AC during the few days when you have it on. It’s important to discover malfunctions and have them repaired before summer arrives. The hot weather is the worst time to have a serious problem with your AC, and scheduling emergency repairs is more difficult because of the seasonal work crunch for HVAC technicians.

Here are a few common spring air conditioning troubles to watch for. Call Clean Air Act for air conditioning service that will make spring pleasant and summer free from worry. You can reach us 24 hours a day for emergency air conditioning service in Portland, OR.

Constantly Tripped Circuit Breakers

When you turn your AC on after a long winter hiatus, it might begin to trip circuit breakers. If this happens repeatedly, you need to call repair technicians to look into the behavior: it could mean loose or frayed wires, dying capacitors, or broken relays. Most of these are simple fixes for AC professionals, but make sure you have them repaired fast, because electrical trouble can eventually cause damage to the whole system.

Low Refrigerant Charge

The refrigerant in your air conditioner will not become “used up” during standard operation. But its charge (level) can drop if leaks occur along the refrigerant lines, the coils, or in the compressor. This could develop during the winter due to spots of corrosion along the lines, and the leaks are often difficult to notice at first. If you hear hissing from the air conditioner’s cabinets, notice frost on the indoor coil, or feel a significant plunge in cooling power, call for help right away. The leaks must be sealed and the refrigerant recharged before serious damage happens to the compressor.

Clogged Condensate Drain

Spring can bring with it unwanted algae growth, and this can pose a problem in your air conditioner where excess water drains out. The moisture from the evaporator coil drips down into a shallow condensate pan, and a pump then removes the water down a drain and into the wastewater system. Algal growth in the drain can block it, causing the pan to overflow and water damage to enter your home. Repairs will remove the pan, disconnect the drain, clean it, and then put the unit back together.

In addition to calling professionals for any necessary repairs this spring, make sure to schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioning. A regular inspection and tune-up will find any repairs you may have missed, and also keep future repairs from happening because of too much wear and tear. For maintenance or repairs on your air conditioning system in Portland, OR, get in touch with Clean Air Act.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Portland
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What Are Some Common AC Repairs to Take Care of before Summer?

Tuesday, April 29th, 2014

Summers are often pleasant and mild in Portland, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore our air conditioning systems. They need to work their best to keep back the heat of the occasional scorching days ahead.

Right now, during the slower spring season, take the time to schedule repairs for your air conditioning in Portland, OR, to fix problems that have spilled over from last summer. Going into the warm season with a malfunctioning AC is the quickest way to end up with a broken AC.

When you need repairs done right, done fast, and done as soon as possible, call Clean Air Act. We are dedicated to bringing our customers quality on every job we do.

Definitely Take Care of These Repairs before the summer:

Bent fan blades: The fans of the indoor and outdoor unit, especially the outdoor unit, can become bent from debris that enters the cabinet. This will lead to a striking, clanging noise as the warped blades hit the outer casing. Although you may have the tolerance to ignore this clamor, you absolutely shouldn’t. Bent fan blades will continue to cause damage to the cabinet, leading to more repairs, until the problem is fixed.
Refrigerant leaks: The refrigerant responsible for heat exchange does not get used up as it goes through evaporation and condensation stages. However, corrosion along the lines or loose connections can cause refrigerant to begin leaking, lowering the charge (the level) of the refrigerant and seriously hampering the AC’s ability to cool. If you notice ice along the indoor coils or feel lukewarm air from the vents, call for repairs to check for leaks. Technicians will seal the leaks and then recharge the refrigerant.
Dying capacitors: Capacitors are small metal cylinders that perform the crucial function of sending electric voltage to the motors to start them (start capacitors) or keep them running (run capacitors). They can malfunction or fail, causing the motors to have trouble starting up and continuing to run. If you hear clicking sounds from either cabinet, this is often a warning of capacitors on the verge of failing. Don’t wait for this to happen: have repairs replace the old capacitor for a new one.

Spring is also the best time to schedule the yearly inspection and tune-up for your air conditioner. The inspection will spot any repair needs that you haven’t noticed yet, often before the repair becomes larger and more expensive. An annual visit will also restore your AC to its best energy efficiency, so you’ll have a less expensive summer when it comes to electricity bills.

Clean Air Act has 24-hour emergency repair service for your air conditioning in Portland, OR—so don’t hesitate to call now to get those troubles fixed in time for summer.

Tags: Air Conditioning Repair, Portland
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Furnace Repair Issues to Take Care of at the End of Heating Season

Friday, April 4th, 2014

With winter fading, your home’s furnace will see less use, and soon the air conditioner will start up to keep you cool for the middle of the year. However, in Oregon we can expect our heating systems to come back on a few days during the summer, so it’s wise to make sure that your furnace has all its necessary repair needs taken care of after the hard labor over winter.

The stress of heating season will take a toll on any furnace, no matter its age; if you notice anything about your furnace that seems amiss during the spring, call up professional technicians to look into the issue and see what they can do about it. For high quality furnace repair service in Portland, OR, rely on Clean Air Act and our around-the-clock, around-the-calendar services.

Here are some common problems that furnaces can encounter at the end of winter that need prompt repairs:

Dirty burner: The burner is where the natural gas coming from the municipal line is burned to change it into the high temperature combustion gas that heats the air. The burner can develop a layer of dirt and grime across it during the winter, and this will restrict the oxygen necessary for the burners to ignite. If the burner in your furnace struggles to come on, sometimes goes out, or you hear a booming noise from inside the cabinet when the burner tries to come on, you will need to call for service to remove the burner and clean it. (Do not attempt to remove it on your own; you should not tamper with anything connected to a natural gas line.)
Failed electronic igniter: Electronic igniters have started to replace standing pilot lights as the method to start burning the gas coming from the burner. These igniters work similar to light bulbs, with current running through them creating a hot surface. Igniters will not last as long as a furnace, and they can burn out during the winter because of repeated use. A repair technician can easily replace a failed igniter.
Bent fan blades: The blower in the air handler can suffer damage due to debris getting into the cabinet (something that can happen during winter), and this usually results in bent fan blades. Misaligned blades will strike against the air handler casing, causing further damage unless fixed. Technicians will use special tools to straighten the blades without accidentally bending them too far the other way.

As mentioned above, you do not want to tamper with any appliance connected to a gas line: that includes your whole gas-powered furnace. The potential for injury from carbon monoxide exposure or explosion is too great to risk. If you think your furnace need attention, call up trained professionals right away and do not take any more steps yourself.

Clean Air Act can solve the problems in your furnace quickly and with minimum disruption to your heating. Trust us for all your need for furnace repair in Portland, OR.

Tags: Furnaces, Portland
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