Oregon Air Conditioning FAQS

Air Conditioning Maintenance & Repair Questions

1. My air conditioner is making noises that I never heard before.

   Give Oregon Heating a call right away. We can help you determine the urgency of the situation, if your air conditioner or heat pump needs to be turned off and if there are any steps you can take to remedy the problem.

2. I came home from work, turned my air conditioner on and my house is still hot.

   In cases of extreme heat and humidity, it will take time for an air conditioning to lower the temperature inside the home. Properly sized air conditioning systems are designed to maintain indoor temperature during the hottest days of the year, actually lowering the temperature can take time if the system has been off for an extended duration. 
We recommend using a programmable thermostat to raise the setting a few degrees during the day when no one is home and then having it set to the appropriate level when you get home. 
Also, check the furnace filter. Air conditioning system performance is far more sensitive to dirty filters than the heating systems are.

3. My second floor is always hotter than my first floor during the summer.

   This is a very common complaint from homeowners. The good news is the problem is fixable. The first recommendation is to check all vents to make sure they are not covered by furniture or other items. If all vents are clear of obstruction, make sure all blinds and window treatments are kept closed during the day to reduce the effects of the sun heating the space. If the problem persists, this could be a result of an inadequate duct system or installation practice. Rarely is the problem related to an improperly sized air conditioning system. Oregon Heating Comfort Consultants can evaluate your comfort issues and recommend modifications to improve the comfort throughout your house. Should the recommendation be a zoning system, you are in luck, we are zoning system experts! (Zoning provides multiple thermostats in your house for ultimate temperature control.)

4. I see ice forming around the indoor or outdoor part of my air conditioning system.

   Turn the system off at the thermostat. Check your furnace air filter. If it is dirty you should clean or replace the filter and then give Oregon Heating a call so we can have a conversation about proper HVAC maintenance. If the furnace air filter is clean, or if the problem persists after cleaning your furnace air filter, you need a professional HVAC technician to diagnose the problem. Call Oregon Heating and ask about same-day service scheduling.

5. Should I cover my air conditioner in the winter time when I’m not using it to protect it from the elements?

   No. Air conditioners and heat pumps are designed to withstand winters.

6. How often should I have my air conditioner or heat pump serviced by an HVAC company?

   Manufacturer’s recommend that a heating and air conditioning system should be serviced by a professional HVAC technician twice a year. Typically, the air conditioner is serviced in the spring and the furnace in the fall. If your air conditioning system has not had a precision tune up this year, call Oregon Heating today.

7. Why are precision tune-ups important?

   When a heating and cooling system is neglected, the results are you pay a hefty price in wasted fuel, shortened equipment life and inconvenient and expensive breakdowns. Having your HVAC equipment regularly tuned-up by Oregon Heating will help with fewer service problems, lower energy bills, a safer system and warranties that are kept valid. Call Oregon Heating today and ask about our popular Oregon Comfort Club which provides automatic precision tune-ups of your heating and air conditioning system, priority scheduling and special discounts.

Cooling Filter and Indoor Air Quality Questions

1. How often should I change the furnace filter in my air conditioning system?

   First, let me share with you that the number 1 cause for an emergency system breakdown is neglected air filters. As filters get dirty they restrict the amount of air that the blower can move through the system, causing all kinds of bad things to happen. But, to answer your question, there are many variables as to how often a furnace filter needs to be maintained. The type, size and efficiency of your filtering system; the amount of time the furnace blower fan runs; the actual design of your heating and air conditioning system; and the conditions within your home will all play a role in how often a furnace filter needs to be maintained. For example, some situations only require filter maintenance every 6-12 months while other situations require monthly maintenance. Oregon Heating can help you determine the correct air filter maintenance schedule for your situation. Give us a call today.

2. Why do I need to change my filter regularly?

   Regular filter replacement helps your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels and improves indoor air quality. It is important to change filters regularly to ensure proper air flow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Neglected furnace filter maintenance is the number 1 cause for heating and cooling system breakdowns.

3. Where is my filter located?

   Your air filter should be located in either the blower compartment of the furnace, in an attached filter case, or in a return air grille in a wall or ceiling of your home. If you cannot find the air filter, your Oregon Heating technician will be happy to show you where it is located and how to change it during your next HVAC maintenance visit.

4. Is the filter used during air conditioning season the same one that is used during heating season?

   Yes. It is the same blower moving the air though out your house regardless if you are heating or cooling. The air filter system plays a critical role in protecting the reliability, efficiency and life expectancy of your furnace, heat pump or air conditioner.

5. Where can I purchase filters?

   I would like to re-phrase the question to “where can I purchase quality furnace filters that will not negatively impact my heating and air conditioning system”? The short answer is call Oregon Heating. But, in all seriousness, over the years there has been many “revolutionary air filters” introduced and marketed heavily to the public. For example a couple of years back you could not turn on the radio without hearing an advertisement pushing electrostatic air filters. Rush Limbaugh and Paul Harvey were big fans. On paper, the filters did work great, except for one huge problem; they were very, very restrictive with regards to air flow. These “life-changing” filters made furnace blower work extra hard causing potential pre-mature failures of several HVAC components. Play it safe and call Oregon Heating for free air filter advice.

6. I thought pollution was outside. Why should I be worried about my air indoors?

   We spend 90% of our time every day indoors. Plus, today's efficient, airtight homes are excellent at conserving energy, but that also makes them better at trapping potentially irritating particles inside the home. With the rising number of people who suffer from allergies and asthma, indoor air quality has become more and more important to our general health and well-being. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that indoor air can be 4 to 5 times more harmful than outdoor air. Oregon Heating specializes in indoor air quality solutions.

7. I keep my home very clean. Could the air in my home still not be clean?

   Yes. Consider that the average home generates 40 pounds of dust per year for every 1,500 square feet of space. While regular home cleaning is an excellent measure to reduce exposure to irritants and pollutants, it's simply impossible to remove enough of the material by hand to make your home's air as comfortable as it can be. In addition, certain irritants and sources of indoor air pollution cannot be cleaned by hand.

8. What can be done to help make my home's air cleaner?

   You might want to consider having your ducts cleaned. Keep your filters clean and change them regularly. Install a High Efficiency air filtration system that works in conjunction with your HVAC system. For more on Indoor Air Quality Solutions, please click here to visit our Indoor Air Quality page.

9. How does a whole-home air cleaner work as part of my system?

   Whole Home Air Cleaners are designed to fit perfectly as a component of your total home comfort system. Unlike many air cleaners that are limited to a single room in the house, Whole Home Air Cleaners are installed and operated through the same duct work that your central furnace or air conditioner uses. It operates out of sight and provides up to 99.98% cleaner air throughout your entire home. Oregon Heating’s best whole house air cleaners actually lowers your family’s risk of catching the flu by removing greater than 99% of influenza A, B, & C as well as avian & swine.

10. What is the ideal indoor humidity level?

    The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends a household humidity level between 30 and 55 percent.

General Air Conditioning Questions

1. What does HVAC stand for?

   Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

2. Should I close the registers and doors to areas of the home that I do not use on a regular basis?

   In most cases the answer is no. When you close registers and doors in certain rooms, you potentially disrupt and decrease heating system airflow and efficiency, sometimes to the point of causing pre-mature HVAC equipment failure and expensive furnace repairs. In worst case scenarios you could change the room-by-room pressurization that could have catastrophic effects like creating a back draft in a fireplace. It is best to consult with an HVAC professional first before making a change like this to your heating system. Please feel free to give Oregon Heating a call to discuss your specific situation.

3. How close to the outdoor unit can I plant shrubs or flowers?

   The outdoor unit, usually referred to as the air conditioner or heat pump, needs to breathe freely. HVAC manufacturers generally agree that plants should not be closer than 18 inches to the vertical sides of the heat pump or air conditioner, with no less than 5’ of vertical clearance above the unit. Higher operating costs, expensive repairs and shorten life spans could be the result if your air conditioner or heat pump cannot circulate the air around it freely. Also, be aware of grass clippings and other landscape debris building up on the vertical sides of the air conditioner or heat pump. This too will also obstruct good air flow. Caution should be taken when cleaning the vertical sides of a heat pump or air conditioner because the heat displacement fins are easily damaged. Oregon Heating service technicians are trained and equipped to effectively clean your heat pump and air conditioner.

4. At what temperature should I set my thermostat?

   Generally speaking, at the temperature you feel most comfortable. That said, in the winter 68° to 72° is the typical setting range most people prefer. Remember, when leaving your home for short periods try to avoid drastic temperature changes. Do not set your temperature back more than 5°; this will cause your unit to work harder to get your house back up to your desired temperature often wasting the energy you saved by setting back your thermostat. The wild card is how long you will be away from your house. The longer you are away, the more a “set-back” temperature makes sense. This is particularly important if your home is heated by a heat pump system.

5. What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?

   There are many benefits in modern programmable thermostats. The most obvious is the “set it and forget it” convenience. Typically, every day can have its own schedule that is made up of 4 time windows, each with their unique temperature settings and fan control. Another benefit is the thermostat can tell you when your filter needs servicing. Some will even display the outdoor temperature and control your fan run time. Because they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than older thermostats that depended on a mercury bulb.

6. What does S.E.E.R. mean?

   S.E.E.R. is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is the most commonly used measurement of an air conditioning or heat pump system’s energy efficiency when evaluating cooling performance. In essence, the S.E.E.R. rating is similar to the miles per gallon (MPG) rating for an automobile. As in MPG’s, the higher rating, the more efficient the cooling system is the less energy it consumes while in use. Effective January of 2006, the minimum S.E.E.R. for all residential central air conditioning systems is 13 S.E.E.R. The most efficient air conditioners and heat pumps are in the 16.0 – 20.0 S.E.E.R. range. These numbers are what the system is rated for in laboratory conditions. Keep in mind that if an air conditioner or heat pump system is not professionally installed, commissioned and maintained, the efficiency rating will suffer.

New Air Conditioning System Questions

1. How do I know whether my heating and cooling equipment needs replacement or just repair?

   This is a difficult question to provide a “blanket” answer for. As an analogy, it is a similar process of considerations that a car owner may consider when deciding whether to replace a vehicle or not. Some of the factors to consider are…

   • The age of the current system. Generally speaking heat pump or air conditioners that are 10+ years old and gas furnaces that are 12+ years are potential candidates to be replaced.

   • What is the history of the heater? Has it required frequent repairs throughout its lifespan? Is it noisy? Does it show signs of excessive wear (rust)? Has it been well maintained by an HVAC company on an annual basis?

   • Are there any current rebates or tax credits available towards the purchase of a new high efficiency heating system that will help offset the initial investment?

   • Does the current system provide the level of comfort that you want? There is a growing difference between “builders grade” and consumer choice in what a system can offer in terms of comfort and convenience.

   • How much will the repairs cost…and how many more repairs will you need in the future? Is keeping an older system operational worth the time, the money and the inconvenience?

   • When considering the benefits that come with a new HVAC comfort system, improved comfort, lower utility bills, peace-of-mind warranties, often replacing an older air conditioner will prove to be the less expensive option rather than wasting money on high utility bills and expensive repairs.

2. It’s been a long time since I shopped for a new air conditioning system – or – I’ve never purchased a new air conditioning system before. What is available to me as a consumer?

   Great question! If you’re deciding on a new system and have not kept up with advances in the industry, you will be amazed at the number of options that you have. Today’s comfort systems offer a surprising number of options and combinations – from contractor model heaters and air conditioners to super high efficiency “hybrid” dual-fuel heat pump systems. Systems can vary widely in terms of energy efficiency, noise, warranties and the ability to deliver customized comfort for your family. Also, a wider variety of indoor air quality add-ons are available more than ever before and often become the catalysis for upgrading to a modern heating and air conditioning system.

   These technology changes make the replacement decision even more complex than ever, so you can see how important it is to find an HVAC company that will work with you to custom design a system for your home and budget. At Oregon Heating, our goal is to be a company that will partner with you to not only install a system that is appropriate for your situation, but then help you keep the system operating at peak performance. With Oregon Heating on your side, now you can come home to comfort.

3. Are some air conditioning manufacturers or brands better than others?

   Yes, we believe so. That’s why Oregon Heating only recommends the most reliable heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality systems on the market. However, the manufacturer or brand is only one part of a high performance and reliable comfort system. The equipment sizing process, duct system design, quality workmanship during the installation and proper commissioning of your new system are absolutely crucial to having a long lasting, reliable, trouble free heating and air conditioning system that reduces your energy bills and keeps you comfortable for many years.

4. What should I look for when choosing a new air conditioner or heat pump?

   Here are some general rules of thumb when you are ready to replace your existing equipment:

   • Choose a manufacturer that has a good reputation for quality and durability.

   • Choose a model with a high energy efficiency rating to bring you better comfort and lower your seasonal energy bill.

   • Be sure that the system you have chosen has been properly sized for the unique needs of your home.

   • Finally, choose a reliable company with excellent customer satisfaction and a track record of service after the sale. It never hurts to get referrals from your friends and neighbors.

   • You’ll soon find that with Oregon Heating, you can come home to comfort.

5. How much does a new A/C system cost?

   Due to the many different makes, models and customer needs, as well as installation variables within a Portland area home, price is an issue that can only be solved by doing a thorough evaluation of your home and existing equipment. At Oregon Heating, there is no charge for an in-house replacement proposal.

6. What do I do if I can’t afford a new HVAC system?

   Oregon Heating offers several financing options. Your Oregon Heating Comfort Consultant can recommend a financing plan that best suits your needs.

7. If I purchase a new heating and air conditioning system, will I be eligible for the Federal Tax Credit?

   Oregon Heating installs heating and air conditioning systems that qualify for the Federal Tax Credit every day. Once the installation is complete, homeowners are provided with all certifications and documents showing proof of installation of a qualifying system. For clarification, the Federal Tax Credit for high efficiency central heating and air conditioning systems is 30% of the installed cost, with a maximum credit of $1,500. This is not a tax deduction – but rather a full, dollar for dollar credit.

   Your individual eligibility can only be determined by your tax preparer – consult your tax preparer before making any final decisions on heating or air conditioning replacement if you plan to take advantage of the tax credit.

8. If I am replacing my air conditioner, why would I replace my current air conditioner with a smaller or larger one?

   You may or may not replace your current air conditioner or heat pump air conditioning system with a larger or smaller one. The size or capacity of your new air conditioning system will be determined and recommended by your Oregon Heating Comfort Consultant. The only accurate way to determine the proper sized heater for your home is to perform a heat loss/heat gain load calculation to determine the cooling needs for your home on the warmest days of the year. It is common to find existing cooling systems that are oversized for the home resulting in decreased comfort, increased energy usage, increased equipment failure and shortened life span of the heater.

9. Should I purchase an extended warranty with my new air conditioning system?

   This is up to the individual consumer, but we at happy to explain the pluses and minuses for your given situation. Most manufacturers are now offering 10-year parts warranties on heating and air conditioning systems. However, labor charges are not covered under the parts warranty and in some cases the warranty period is not transferable to a new owner. Because of this most of our customers opt to have a worry-free, 10-year parts and labor warranty that is transferable and adds value to your home should you decide to sell. Your Oregon Heating Comfort Consultant has more information on the extended warranty plans we offer.