The Clean Air Act Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Portland’

3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Attempt to Install Your Own Heater

Tuesday, December 10th, 2013

If the time has come to replace your decrepit old heater, or if you’ve just built a new home, you’ve probably thought to yourself at least once, “Why can’t I save some money and handle the installation myself?”

We hope you quickly discarded this thought. But if it’s still knocking around in your brain, we’ll give you 3 very good reasons why you should entrust this large undertaking to a professional, experienced company. Once you see that you should go to the experts, we hope you will choose Clean Air Act for your Portland, OR heating installation.

1. It may be illegal

This depends on local codes and the type of heater you plan to install. However, in many jurisdictions, laws prevent anyone without a permit from installing or repairing a gas-powered appliance that connects to a municipal supply line, or that connects to any sort of exhaust system. You can check local laws to make sure… but the better route is simply to entrust the job to someone who does have a permit: a professional installer.

2. It may be dangerous

There are some good reasons why city and state laws often prohibit homeowners without licenses and permits from doing their own installations. The main one is that unskilled work on a heating system presents major health hazards. Work with natural gas lines can lead to leaks that expose people to toxic fumes and the risk of explosions; electrical heaters carry the danger of high voltage shocks. Even if you manage to install a heater without injuring yourself, you won’t know if the heater is running safely: a gas-powered heater could slowly leak carbon monoxide, and an electric heater could be a potential fire hazard because of faulty wiring.

3. It will need further repairs

It’s almost guaranteed that if you try to perform an installation without any professional assistance, you will not get the job done effectively. Although the heater may appear to run adequately, it will soon start to malfunction and require repairs. The money you “saved” by going solo will end up spent on numerous repairs to keep the system running. Eventually, you will need to scrap the whole heater earlier than you would have if you relied on professional installation from the beginning.

We understand that homeowners like to feel self-sufficient and want to find ways to save money. But a complex home heating system is not a place where you should cut corners or experiment with your toolkits. Too much rides on this system working properly. Stay safe and warm—and legal—by calling in an expert HVAC company for your Portland, OR heating installation.

Clean Air Act offers comprehensive installation on many different kinds of heating systems. Contact us today to get started with a superb installation for your home.

Tags: Heating Installation, Portland
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How to Heat Your Home Cleanly and Efficiently

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

Two major concerns that homeowners face today when it comes to providing their houses with warmth during the winter: how to save money, and how to have improved indoor air quality. Nobody wishes to waste money unnecessarily, and with the high cost of heating, homeowners want to find ways to cut back on those expenses. And indoor air quality is now a major health concern in the U.S., where people spend 85% of their time inside.

It isn’t difficult to find ways to heat your home efficiently and cleanly. If you turn to a quality heating service, you will find there are many methods toward achieving safe and energy-saving warmth.

Here are some ideas from Clean Air Act to improve your heating in Portland. Contact us for more information or for professional heating service in Portland, OR, including installation, maintenance, and repairs.

Maintain an energy-saving thermostat level

You might not know it, but you may have your thermostat set at a temperature that is draining power without giving you any better comfort. A recommended indoor temperature for winter during the day time is 68°F; most people will find this comfort enough with the addition of an extra layer of clothes. At night, lower the temperature to 58°F. These changes can mean savings of nearly 20% off your bill annually.

Install air cleaners

A mechanical filter or an electronic air filter can remove allergens and contaminants from your home. HEPA filters are among the best: they remove up to 99.9% of all contaminants. Electronic air cleaners ionize the air to separate smaller particles.

Go with a ductless heating system

If you are thinking of installing a new heating system, consider having a ductless mini split heat pump put in. Without ductwork, you won’t have to worry about pressure loss, inefficiency from duct breaks, or dust and dirt contamination.

Schedule regular maintenance

The best way of all to make sure your heater keeps your air clean and your budget protected is to have an HVAC technician give it an annual check-up, cleaning, and tune-up. You’ll have a heater running at its best and cleanest after each yearly visit. This will also mean fewer repair emergencies in the future.

Clean Air Act offers a three-tiered maintenance program to fit your budget needs. We install many different air filters and electronic cleaners, and also install ductless mini split systems. We are your one-stop Portland, OR heating service company when you want more efficient and cleaner performance from your heater.

Tags: Heating, Portland
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What Is an Infrared Space Heater and How Does It Work?

Tuesday, November 19th, 2013

The cost of trying to heat a large space, such as a warehouse, garage, patio, or construction site, can turn prohibitively high using standard heating systems that channel hot air through ducts. However, there is now a cost-efficient alternative for commercial spaces: infrared space heaters. These heaters allow specific targeting of warmth without the significant heat loss that comes from most traditional systems

If after reading over our description of how infrared space heaters operate you think your business would benefit from installing them, contact Clean Air Act to schedule an appointment with a specialist in heating service in Portland, OR. Our trained technicians will go over your options and provide you the heating solution that will satisfy you.

Infrared space heaters: the basics

Infrared heat comes from a light that is invisible to the naked eye because it is out of the spectrum of light that the cones in our eyes can detect. But this unseen light can warm up objects around us, and through the heat that radiates off them, we too become warm.

Infrared heaters work cost-efficiently as long as they are used to target specific areas—this is why they are useful for large spaces that need only portions heated instead of trying to pump heated air into the entire space. Infrared heaters are effective at counteracting the frequent loss of heat in warehouses and garages that often lose heat through large door and poor insulation. Any time you need direct heat on an object, an infrared space heater will help you out with minimum heat loss.

These heaters can run from a variety of energy sources: gas, electricity, and propane are the most common.

Installation

On their own, infrared heaters are not particularly difficult to install. But when you need to have them installed in a large space, it will require expertise to have them placed and sized correctly. If either of these steps is done poorly, then you will lose most of the advantages that you want to receive.

Once the heaters are installed, you should schedule routine maintenance for them—gas-powered heaters in particular should have maintenance visits at least once a year to make sure they are operating efficiently and calibrated correctly.

Contact Clean Air Act today to begin the process of installing these energy-efficient solutions for your heating troubles in your business. Infrared heating is a superb option, and if you trust to our heating service in Portland, OR, you’ll discover why so many businesses have adopted them.

Tags: Infrared Space Heaters, Portland
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How Does a High-Velocity System Work?

Tuesday, November 12th, 2013

Heating in Portland, OR involves more than just traditional gas furnaces and boilers. Those earlier systems still see a lot of use today – they’re easy to install and simple to operate, which makes for a winning combo – but these days they have to share the podium a numerous other systems and upgrades. You may hear the phrase “high velocity system” when discussing heating options. What is it? And more importantly, how does a high-velocity system work? A brief outline of the features involved can be found below.

High-velocity heating systems are based on the notion of using pressure rather than power to distribute air through the system. They use small, narrow air ducts to move the air around, causing the air to move more rapidly (with a little help from specialized fan blowers and similar components). They work according to the tenets of aspiration: creating a subtle circulation that moves throughout a room, making the temperature change more even and balanced throughout a given area.

The benefits of the notion are considerable. Because the ducts are smaller, they can fit into crawlspaces and between walls more easily. That makes them easy to install in older houses that might not be able to support a more traditional duct system. Most high velocity systems are very quiet, and the speed of the air helps reduce dust build-up and other contaminants within the system.

Perhaps most importantly, aspiration helps keep the temperature change steady and even: eliminating cold spots and drafty corners (which you find in more traditional duct systems). It also helps pull more moisture from the air, reducing humidity and keeping our famously wet Oregon weather in check.

Perhaps most importantly, it works to solve a number of potential problems, especially in older houses with a lot of open spaces or which can’t support a standard duct system. The more you know about the principals – the better you can answer the question “how does a high-velocity system work?” – the better you can decide for yourself is such a system is right for you. Clean Air Act handles all kinds of issues related to heating in Portland, OR and can provide guidance and support as well as installation services for high velocity systems. Pick up the phone and call our Portland heating service technicians today!

Tags: High-Velocity System, Portland
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What Is Radon and Why Is It Dangerous?

Wednesday, October 30th, 2013

“Radon” is one of the scariest words a homeowner (or business owner) can hear. This substance is one of the great boogeymen of public health in the United States—but unlike childhood boogeymen, radon is real, as is its danger.

But most people don’t know what radon actually is, or what sort of health hazards it poses that make it so urgent to get radon testing done. It’s a long subject, but in this post we will try to get to the heart of the problem so you’ll understand why radon testing in Portland, OR is something you shouldn’t delay.

Radon is a chemical element (Rn). It occurs as a product of the decay of uranium and thorium, which first produce radium, and then radon. Radon is gaseous, colorless, odorless… and radioactive.

Radon decays as well, and the product of this isn’t gaseous, but solids that can adhere to most surfaces. These “radon daughters” are the main danger that radon presents, since if humans inhale these particles, they will stick to the inside airways of lungs. The radioactivity of these radon daughter particles increases the chances of lung cancer. According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarettes and accounts for approximately 20,000 cancer-related deaths each year. Radon is responsible for the majority of the public’s exposure to radiation.

How does this apply specifically to housing? In 1985, an accident led to the discovery of large concentrations of radon inside many U.S. homes. At least some level of radon is present in every home: it usually enters the lower levels of a house, such as the basement, from the ground, infiltrating through cracks, the water supply, and gaps around service pipes.

You almost certainly have some levels of radon in your home, but don’t panic yet. The concentration might be low enough to pose little danger. However, you need to be certain—and radon can enter the best-sealed homes or those without have basements. Professional radon testers can detect if you have a potentially dangerous radon concentration, and then devise a mitigation solution that will give you improved air quality… and peace of mind.

You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, and so you might shrug off the possibility of it lurking around your house. Please don’t make such a potentially hazardous assumption. Contact Clean Air Act and our radon detection and mitigation specialists. We offer complete testing and abatement service to protect you and your family from one of the only true “boogeymen” you’ll find hidden in your home. Contact us today for radon testing in Portland, OR.

Tags: Portland, Radon Testing
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Common Indoor Air Quality Issues During the Heating Season

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

The U.S. Department of Health has determined that poor indoor air quality is one of the major threats to health in the country today. Because modern homes are designed as near-sealed environments to prevent heat loss during winter and heat infiltration during summer, contaminants that gather inside have little chance to escape. This lowered air quality is particularly acute during the heating season, when we close up our homes from the cold outdoor air—giving dust, debris, and other particles in the air even fewer places to get out.

At Clean Air Act, we want the Portland, OR heating season to go as pleasantly as possible for your household. Keeping your air free of pollutants is a large part of this. Here are some indoor air problems that are common at this time of the year which we can help you eliminate:

Dust and dirt buildup: Dust, dirt, and other pollutants will build up in your home during winter because of the sealed environment. If you have a heat pump or a furnace warming your home, dust will gather in the ductwork and get blown about your living spaces. A clogged air filter will increase this problem, as will breaks in the ducts that go without repair.

Humidity issues: You may not think about humidity as a problem during winter, but trouble with high and low humidity can strike at any time. If your air becomes too dry (a common trouble during cold weather), it can lead to cracked skin, nose bleeds, and dried out respiratory passages. High humidity will cause general discomfort and can contribute to the spread of common illnesses.

Mold and bacterial growth: The dark spaces inside ductwork offer an ideal spot for the growth of mold, fungus, and unwanted bacterial infestations. Increased humidity will encourage this growth. This can create a serious drop in your air quality.

There are a number of ways to combat these problems and keep the air in your home safe for your whole family. Have your ducts cleaned and your air filters changed regularly. Install mechanical filters or electronic air cleaners to remove contaminating particles. Place UV germicidal lights near vents to eliminate mold and prevent it from returning. Look into getting a humidifier or dehumidifier to control unusual humidity levels.

Clean Air Act can help you get quality indoor air with your heating in Portland, OR. We install different air filters and electronic air cleaners, as well as humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and we can find the right one for your home. We can also take care of bacterial infections with UV germicidal lights and perform top-quality duct cleaning. Contact us today to get the heating season started with indoor air quality products and services from clean air from Clean Air Act.

Tags: Indoor Air Quality, Portland
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Benefits of Radon Testing in Portland

Friday, October 4th, 2013

Radon is a radioactive gas, which appears whenever there are significant quantities of uranium in the soil or water. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. (behind only cigarettes): it gets caught in your lungs when you breathe it in, damaging the tissue and resulting in long term health problems. Radon testing is a comparatively simple process designed to determine the levels of radon in your home and whether they constitute a danger. The benefits of radon testing in Portland and other Oregon cities are obvious – to alert you to any danger to you or other members of your household – but a little more information can help you understand the particulars betters.

Radon can get into you house through any kind of crack or crevice, such as a fracture in the floor or walls, or a gap to allow plumbing or electricity in. It can also get in through crawlspaces, and can infiltrate your water supply as well (especially if you get your water from a well). If radon is in the water, it can get into the air once it passes through a faucet.

You can’t predict when or where radon will get into your home. It has nothing to do with your home’s location or the proximity to hazardous sites. The only way to spot it is with testing, which a qualified professional can perform safely and efficiently. You should always have a test performer before buying or selling a home. It’s also a good idea to have it tested before having a baby, bringing a new pet into the home or before undertaking any large home improvement projects.

A good Portland, OR radon testing technician will perform both short-term and long-term tests, then discuss your options with you when he test comes back. In the case of high radon levels, you should first re-test to confirm, then discuss adding radon resistant features in your home, such as sealing or plastic sheeting. Radon testing in Portland can be performed by Clean Air Act. Our Portland radon testing technicians are dedicated to the highest quality of service, so give us a call today.

Tags: Portland, Radon Testing
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What to Look for in a Heating System

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

With the chillier months rolling toward us, now is the time to think about how we’re going to keep our homes cozy until spring arrives. If you are debating a new heater installation in your home in Oregon, you’re probably already bombarding yourself with questions. This isn’t a choice to make quickly, since if you get the wrong system installed it can be difficult and expensive to replace it. To help you make the right choice the first time, read this list of what to look for in a new heating system.

Contact Clean Air Act for your Portland, OR heating questions and services. We will make getting a new heater much easier.

Heating efficiency: Not all heaters provide the same level of warmth distribution through your home, or the high temperatures you might need. For example, heat pumps can have trouble with extreme cold. To get the premium level of comfort, you need to balance the needs of your home with the heating ability of your new system. The best way to find out your home’s heating requirements is to bring in an HVAC specialist to perform a heat load calculation. This will provide you with a precise measurement of how your home should be heated.

Energy efficiency: The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating describes how efficiently a heating system uses energy. AFUE is measured as a percentage; the higher the percentage, the more cost-effective the system. The U.S. Department of Energy requires all furnaces to have a minimum AFUE of 78%, and many boilers score 85% or higher. Check your new system’s AFUE if reducing your annual energy bills is important to you.

Ease of installation: Consider the current layout of your home and how it will affect installation. If you already have ductwork for central air conditioning, then installing a furnace will present few problems. In general, furnaces are easier to install than boilers, and electric furnaces take up less space. If you don’t have ductwork however, boilers can present a better choice.

Deciding what heater to install can be a dizzying process. But you can simplify it with professional help from trained HVAC technicians. Not only will they assist with your choice, they will install the system correctly so it performs at peak level and requires fewer future repairs.

For excellent heating services in Portland, OR, make The Clean Air Act your first choice!

Tags: Heating, Portland
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Transitioning to the Heating Season: What You Need to Know

Monday, September 16th, 2013

With summer now over, we are transitioning into the heating season. It’s the time when air conditioners go off and furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps turn on. Although Oregon doesn’t get the brutal cold that some other states have to suffer, we can have some very chilly and rainy days during the fall and winter.

Here are some things you need to know about moving from one season to the other so you’re prepared for the cold weather. For your heating needs, you can rely on the highly-trained Portland, OR heating technicians of Clean Air Act.

Although modern heating systems are very efficient at providing warm air throughout your home, your home might not be as efficient keeping the warm air in. Before the temperature drops any lower, take time to survey your house and locate spots where heat can escape. Check for leaks around your windows and outside doors. (You can use a candle flame to help locate them.) Caulk the windows and put weather stripping around the doors. If you have a fireplace, keep the damper shut when it’s not in use. Your attic should have sufficient insulation, since it is one of the main spots where rising heat can leak out of your home.

When it comes to your heating system, you can also take a few steps yourself to get it ready for the cold. If you have a furnace, change out the filter and make sure nothing is blocking the vents. For boilers, look for leaking water that might indicate cracks or loose valves, and clear out the space around the radiators.

However, you should call in a professional to perform a regular maintenance check to see if your heating system is fully prepared for the season. We recommend an annual service visit, and the best time is during the fall—before HVAC specialists get booked up with winter emergency calls and while a temporary loss of heat won’t be too inconvenient for you. A maintenance check will help prevent costly repairs or a breakdown during the worst times. A properly tuned-up heater will also save you money on your power bills because it will operate more efficiently.

We take the health and comfort of our customers seriously at Clean Air Act. We want you to be prepared for when you need heating in Portland, OR. If you have any concerns, or need repairs or installation, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Tags: Heating, Portland
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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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