The Clean Air Act Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Portland’

How Duct Cleaning Affects Your Air Conditioning System

Wednesday, August 14th, 2013

All homeowners want their homes to be cool and comfortable throughout the long, hot summer months. In order to achieve this goal, it is important that you schedule professional air conditioning maintenance with a qualified technician. Some issues, though, such as very dirty air ducts, require more specialized services. If your air ducts are impeding the operation of your air conditioning system, contact the air conditioning technicians at Clean Air Act. Our professional Portland duct cleaning technicians have the tools and training they need to clean up your air ducts from the inside out. There are many great benefits to be had by doing so, so call now to schedule service.

As dirt, dust and other debris accumulate within your ductwork system, they can begin to negatively impact your air conditioning system in a variety of ways. First of all, if there are a lot of airborne pollutants within your air ducts, it is very possible for them to clog up your air filter. This means that your air conditioning system will have to work harder and harder in order to distribute air throughout your home. In doing so, more and more energy will be used in the process. This means that you may actually wind up paying more money for a weaker performance from your air conditioning system.

Professional duct cleaning can also help to reduce the risk of air conditioning repair needs developing. As your system works harder to distribute cooled air throughout your home, more strain is put on the system. The more strain that your air conditioning system faces, the more likely it becomes that damages will result. Do not allow an overworked system to suffer damages due to dirty air ducts. Call now to learn more.

Unsurprisingly, very dirty air ducts can also really take a toll on your indoor air quality. All of the air cooled by your system must travel throughout your air ducts in order to reach throughout your home. If your air ducts are full of dirt and dander, these substances can also make the rounds into different areas of your home. Let our skilled ductwork technicians ensure that your air ducts are able to function properly.

For more information about how professional duct cleaning can benefit your home, call the Portland air conditioning experts at Clean Air Act. Our air conditioning technicians are happy to answer any questions you may have. Let us know what your concerns are regarding the ductwork in your home.

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Benefits of an Amana Heat Pump

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

Named after the Iowa birthplace of its founder, George Foerstner, in 1934, Amana began by revolutionizing the appliance industry and has retained its reputation for excellent products in the heating and cooling industry as well. In particular, an Amana heat pump is a piece of equipment that is built to last with outstanding reliability and performance. At Clean Air Act, we work a variety of system types and brands but we’re particularly proud to be able to provide Amana products to our customers. Like Amana, we have a firm commitment to the comfort of your home. Call us today to learn more about our air conditioning services in Portland.

In today’s post, we’d like to look closely at the benefits of an Amana heat pump.

  • Energy efficiency. It’s important that your new air conditioner not only be powerful to keep your home comfortable, but also energy efficient. Efficiency is the ratio between electrical energy input and cooling output, and a heat pump is one of the best around.  A heat pump has two efficiency ratings, a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). Both are numeric scales, and the higher number the better. A heat pump runs on electricity but uses relatively little when compared to other types of systems.
  • Year-round comfort. The most unique feature of a heat pump is its ability to keep your home comfortable year-round. It functions more or less like an air conditioner. By circulating a refrigerant through the various coils, compressor, and expansion valve, the heat pump dissipates heat into the outside air during the summer and absorbs the ambient thermal energy of the air in the winter. It can do this by virtue of a reversing valve that permits the pump to circulate the refrigerant in the opposite direction, unlike an air conditioner.
  • Reliability. The Amana brand is synonymous with innovation, but also reliability. Their heat pumps are built to last. And that’s critical because the installation of a new system is a major investment in your time and resources.

Call Clean Air Act today for all of your air conditioning needs in Portland, OR. We can make sure your Amana heat pump installation runs smoothly, and we also offer comprehensive repair and maintenance services.

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What You Need to Know about Air Conditioning and Humidity

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” This is a common phrase that most of have heard (or said) during the summer. It seems that despite the best efforts of our air conditioners, we may still find that the humidity and heat are unstoppable during the dog days of summer. Even homes that have excellent air conditioners with high performance values may be frustrated by stuffy and uncomfortable levels of humidity in the home. While your AC does dehumidify the air, this does not often impact the relative humidity of the entire home enough. In today’s post, we’d like to examine the relation between air conditioning and humidity in more detail. Call the Portland, OR air conditioning technicians at Clean Air Act today for cooling services throughout the Portland, CA area.

As part of the cooling cycle process, your AC dehumidifies the air. The indoor evaporator circulates a cool, liquid refrigerant through its coils. As the warm indoor air blows through the coils, it causes the refrigerant inside to evaporate. In turn, this cooling process partially dehumidifies the air, which leaves condensed water on the coils that drips into the condensate drain pan. But this process only dehumidifies as part of the cooling process as a whole, and high humidity levels outside will still entail high humidity inside the home, too.

When this dehumidification process is not enough, you should consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier. While portable units can be good in a pinch, to be truly comfortable and to be able to control the level of humidity in your home, you need a device that integrates directly within your existing HVAC system. High humidity can lead to stuffy air, mold growth inside your ductwork, condensation on the walls and floors, and even damp carpeting.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your comfort, you need to make sure that your air conditioner is in great working shape, and that you’re taking all the necessary steps towards excellent indoor air quality. Call Clean Air Act today for excellent air conditioning services throughout the Portland, CA area.

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The Benefits of Professional Duct Cleaning

Thursday, June 13th, 2013

The ductwork in your home is a huge part of your air conditioning system because it is responsible for delivering all of the cooled air throughout your home. That’s why making sure that your ducts are clean is so important. The Clean Air Act is proud to offer complete duct cleaning services in Portland, OR for all different kinds of ducts. Check out a few of the important benefits to getting regular maintenance for your home’s ductwork.

Why Get Professional Duct Cleaning in Portland, OR

Most homeowners don’t give their ducts much thought throughout the year. However, as your AC or heating system operates, it will deposit many different kinds of contaminants in your ductwork. Things like pet dander, dust, pollen, bacteria and other pollutants can start o build up in your ductwork. Unless you get your ducts cleaned, those contaminants will just continue to circulate through your home’s air supply. Getting regular duct cleaning in Portland, OR is a great way to potentially make a positive impact in your home’s air quality.

Another reason that you should think about getting duct cleaning is that it could be able to increase the efficiency of your home’s air conditioning system as well. As air moves through your ducts, any contaminants or blockages will hinder the flow of the air. This means that your AC system has to work harder to push the air through which reduces its efficiency.  By keeping your ductwork clean with regular duct cleaning you might be able to reduce the amount of restrictions that your air has to move past inside of your ducts.

When you need any kind of duct cleaned, make sure that you call the Portland, OR duct cleaning technicians at The Clean Air Act. We are dedicated to your complete satisfaction and to the quality of work that we do.

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Improve Indoor Air Quality While Maintaining AC Efficiency

Monday, June 10th, 2013

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

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

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

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

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How Can I Improve the Performance of My Air Conditioner?

Friday, May 24th, 2013

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

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

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

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

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The Benefits of Amana Air Conditioners

Monday, May 6th, 2013

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

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

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

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

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Why is Air Conditioning Maintenance Important in the Spring Time?

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Spring is the perfect time to make sure that our air conditioners are working well for the hot summer months. While professional air conditioning installation is critical to ensuring that your system is both energy efficient and effective, routine maintenance is just as important. It may even be required for the purpose of keeping your AC under warranty. Whatever type or brand of AC you have, professional care is a great to improve energy efficiency, increase performance levels, and improve the longevity of your system. To schedule a consultation with a Portland OR air conditioning pro about your AC system, call the experts at The Clean Air Act Inc. today!

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

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

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How to cool your home more efficiently

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Energy efficiency and performance often go together. When your AC performs well, it is often making an efficient use of its electrical energy, so that it uses neither too little nor too much energy, but just the right amount to keep your home comfortable. Even still, with the ever-rising costs of energy, homeowners throughout the Portland, OR area are constantly looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption. While we cannot control the price of electricity, we can control how we use it. We’d like to share with you some ways of cooling your home more efficiently. For more AC tips, or to schedule a professional Portland OR air conditioning service, call the experts at The Clean Air Act, Inc. today!

  • Install a programmable thermostat. If you have not yet upgraded from your manual, conventional thermostat, then you are missing out on customizable climate control and energy savings. Installing a programmable thermostat is a great way to cool your home efficiently. By automatically turning your AC on and off according to the time of day, and day of the week, your AC will be fully in your control, whether you’re there or not.
  • Repair your ducts. Over time, your ducts can develop cracks and leaks, due to either general wear and tear, or other physical damage. Ensuring that your ductwork is in good working order may improve your energy efficiency up to 30%. Call up to find out more information about duct repair in Portland, OR.
  • Enroll in a maintenance plan. A routine maintenance plan is the best way to ensure that your AC is cooling your system more efficiently. During these visits, a certified AC technician will inspect, clean, and tune-up your cooling system. It will not only improve the energy efficiency of its operation, but may also improve its performance and longevity.
  • Upgrade. If your AC is older, or requires frequent repairs, consider upgrading to a new AC system. A new central air, heat pump, or ductless mini split may be just what you need.

For more information about Portland air conditioning services, including those related to energy efficiency, call The Clean Air Act, Inc. today!

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How Often Should I Get My Air Ducts Cleaned?

Monday, April 8th, 2013

Duct cleaning is a great way to improve the indoor air quality of your home, to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, and to reduce the impact of allergens in the household. This latter benefit is especially important for homeowners who have respiratory issues such as asthma or those who suffer from allergies. While duct cleaning makes sense, it’s not entirely clear to many homeowners how often they should schedule the service. In this post, we’d like to address this question. For Portland duct cleaning, call the experts at Clean Air Act, Inc today!

In order to address this question, let’s look at duct cleaning works and then examine the benefits.

  • How duct cleaning works. While it seems simple enough, duct cleaning is a complicated process, involving various specialized tools and vacuums to ensure that the inside surface of your ducts is free of dust, debris, and mold. The method of cleaning may depend on the type of ducts you have in your home. You can expect that all of the various duct channels, vents, and registers will be cleaned. Your duct cleaning professional may also consult with you about sanitizing your ductwork to prevent microbiological and pathogen growth.
  • Benefits to duct cleaning. If your ductwork is filled with dust and debris, then there is less room for airflow. Even very small amounts of blockage can significantly reduce the efficient passage of cooled and heated air through to your living space. Duct cleaning, along with duct sealing, can ensure that your ductwork is not limiting the efficiency of your system. Moreover, clean ductwork boosts your indoor air quality. As air blows throughout your ductwork, it makes any resident particles airborne, thus sending them throughout your house. For homeowners susceptible to allergies, this can dramatically influence their home comfort.
  • So, how often? While there is no set standard for how often you should have your ducts cleaned, annual duct cleaning is a great way to improve your energy efficiency, performance, and indoor air quality.

For more information about Portland, OR duct cleaning, call Clean Air Act, Inc today!

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