HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical in Durham, OR

While a furnace that won’t stop may signal a technical issue, setting the fan to “ON” at the thermostat may be best practice, depending on your furnace. Newer models are designed to stay on day and night.

Why should you run your HVAC fan continuously? The following are some of the hidden benefits.

One of the biggest benefits of HVAC fans is proper air circulation. Heated and cooled air doesn’t always circulate properly because heat rises and pushes cold air to your house’s lower areas while making upper floors and attics very warm. Running the fan evens out temperatures throughout all spaces in your home, circulating warm and cool air for more even — and faster — residential heating and cooling.

The Dalles, Portland, and the Tualatin area are famous for their rainy, temperate climate. Mold and mildew can flourish in these conditions without good airflow. Better air circulation greatly reduces the chances of these contaminants growing in the walls, cracks, and crevices of your home.

With new HVAC systems, keeping the fan on actually improves energy efficiency. HVAC fan settings in newer models make automatic adjustments, keeping the temperature in your home even, which, in turn, reduces the amount of time your furnace or air conditioner needs to stay on to maintain your ideal temperature.

Energy Star rated furnaces and air conditioners are more likely to save you money on your energy bills while running 24/7, and they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the demand for importing energy.

Better air circulation in your home benefits people with allergies, pets, and respiratory conditions because the air in your house makes more passes through the system’s filters, catching any allergens, bacteria, viruses, pollen, mold spores, dust, and other airborne particles.

You might have to change the filters more often if you run the HVAC system constantly, but you will also enjoy higher-quality indoor air.

Contrary to popular belief, keeping your HVAC fan on may extend its service life, provided the equipment was properly installed and your ductwork is correctly sized. Set to off, a newer, energy-efficient HVAC system goes through more wear and requires more maintenance than if the fan is set to the “on” position.

Your HVAC system’s only job is to keep you comfortable. With the fan set to the “on” position, your home’s interior will have consistently fresh, conditioned air at your desired temperature without you having to monitor the thermostat or manually adjust the temperature.

You’ll also get a more even temperature distribution, especially if your house has more than one floor. In the hot Oregon summers, your entire space will stay cool. In the chilly winters, you won’t have to worry about cold spots in the house.

There are a few reasons you should not keep your HVAC fan running continuously. For example, if your ductwork is in the attic, the summer heat can make running the fan impractical. Temperatures well above 100°F can end up blowing down into your main living space. It also won’t help if your ductwork is leaking. Make sure to have your ducts tested and sealed occasionally so your HVAC system is as efficient as it’s designed to be.

Another consideration is the age of your HVAC system. If you’re concerned about constant fan use and energy consumption, it could be a good idea to install a more efficient motor. Older furnaces tend to use permanent split capacitor (PSC) type motors. However, a new, more efficient electronically commutated motor (ECM) can cut energy use despite running more often.

While each HVAC system is built differently, setting your fan to run continuously through the thermostat should be fairly easy. The “on” setting keeps the fan running even after the air reaches your desired temperature. Select this setting rather than the “automatic” setting, and the system will actively push the already-conditioned air around in your house 24/7, keeping it evenly heated or cooled with clean, filtered air year-round.

If you’re unsure how to change your HVAC system’s fan settings and live in Portland, the Dalles, Troutdale, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Rivergrove, Milwaukie, or the surrounding area, reach out to Sky today. A qualified technician will inspect your system to ensure it’s ready to be set to “on” and then show you how to do it.

You deserve to have an HVAC system that works its best year-round. If your heating and cooling isn’t keeping you comfortable, call Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing, and Electrical today. An experienced local HVAC technician will assess the issue and help you improve your system.

We’re your local home service center, offering a wide range of HVAC services, including AC, furnace, and ductwork inspections, installations, replacement, maintenance, and more. We employ the expertise, tools, and equipment to get the job done right to make sure your system offers the comfort, efficiency, and air quality you need. We care about providing a quality experience to each of our clients and will do what it takes to make sure you’re happy with the work we do.If you’re considering changing how you run your HVAC system, contact our team today to schedule a consultation appointment. Count on our expert technicians to provide trustworthy advice. Schedule service using our easy online form, or call us directly at (503) 563-2698.

When an HVAC professional visits your home for an AC service appointment, they focus on several key areas. These include:

• Major components, such as the condenser coil, evaporator coil, motor, return and supply lines, drain line, and electrical connections. The technicians will also check refrigerant levels to determine whether a recharge is needed or there’s a potential leak.
• Changing the air filter. You don’t necessarily need a professional for this, but a technician can determine whether the current air filter must be cleaned or replaced, or whether it is sufficient for your home. If not, they can recommend a higher rated or different type of filter if needed.
• Thermostat calibration. If your HVAC system isn’t reaching the temperature, the thermostat may need to be tested and calibrated. A technician can verify whether the unit is working or needs to be replaced, or determine if its location near a heat source is causing inaccurate temperature readings.
• Lubricating parts. Air conditioning systems have many moving parts that can wear out due to friction if they’re not properly lubricated; a technician can spot lubrication issues and provide the appropriate service to avoid permanent damage to components your AC needs to function.
• Ductwork inspection. Air that’s carried through the duct system can also be recirculating various types of contaminants. Leaking ducts can significantly reduce efficiency. An annual inspection can spot any issues to fix that can restore clean air and comfort.
• Air conditioner tune-up. By inspecting the many interconnected parts in your AC system, a technician can make minor repairs and adjustments during an AC tune-up. Our HVAC plans include all the services needed to ensure your air conditioning system remains in top shape.

The biggest benefits of AC replacement are more reliable comfort, fewer repairs, and improved efficiency, which helps lower your energy bill while reducing environmental impact.

Call Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical to speak to an HVAC expert about the best type of AC to suit your home. After a home assessment, we can provide a more accurate quote. We also offer helpful financing options to make your new AC more affordable.

Yes. Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical offers 24/7 emergency HVAC repair when you need help restoring your home’s comfort.