HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical in Gresham, OR

You will incur some costs throughout the life of your water heater. However, it’s possible to save with the following preventive measures:

Assuming you’ve taken good care of your water heater, but its warranty has expired, you may still have options. Your home warranty may cover water heater service depending on the plan level. Check the policy to see if it provides opportunities to save.

Another way to save is to get at least three quotes. Talk to at least three contractors and compare their rates, reputations, and timelines. Know exactly what you’re getting for the price. Therefore, you can choose the best service at the most reasonable rate (rather than automatically picking the lowest bid).

• Have Your Water Heater Serviced Regularly: Preventative maintenance should be performed every year by a professional. It allows a technician to check for developing issues and clean parts of your water heater to reduce wear. Usually, the earlier a problem is detected, the less it costs to fix. Maintenance also helps avoid costly emergency callout fees and maximizes efficiency (reducing utility costs).
• Insulate the Water Heater: Placing insulation around the hot water tank reduces heat loss. Therefore, the system works less hard to maintain a hot water supply. Insulating the pipes connected to the water heater can also save on utility bills and repairs.
• Buy the Parts Yourself: If you want to save on repairs, ask your plumber if purchasing the parts yourself can save money. Licensed plumbers often get good rates on parts but mark up the price. But not all plumbers will install parts they didn’t supply.
• Purchase the Same Type of Unit: If the service entails replacing your water heater, purchasing the same type can cost less than a different model. By choosing a similar unit, you won’t have to switch fuel sources, install a gas or water line, or update existing wiring if your current infrastructure is in good shape.
• Schedule a service call during the work week.
• Wait a day or two if it’s not an emergency.
• Have a serious issue checked immediately.
• Replace Your Water Heater: A water heater replacement in Portland can save on the cost of repeated repairs and higher energy bills. If your unit is 10 to 15 years old, a replacement can save you in the long run. If some parts have malfunctioned, the extra stress has likely worn out others, which must also be replaced. Why would you continue to pay for parts if your water heater has little life left?
• Check the Warranty: Review the original product warranty to see how long it covers repairs and what parts and services are covered. You’ll save on service if your water heater is still under warranty. Depending on the issue and type of coverage, you may not have to pay anything. However, DIY water heater repair and skipping maintenance can void the warranty.
• Hire the Right Contractor: Not every plumber services water heaters. Therefore, you want to ask many questions when you contact a professional. Find out if the contractor is licensed, insured, and experienced. They should have several years of experience. Also, ask about the timeframe for the project and if it requires a permit. The more you know, the fewer surprises there will be later and the easier it is to budget for service.

Replacing any water heater part requires knowledge of how it works. For example, a thermocouple isn’t hard to replace, but you must understand how it’s connected (and how to turn off the gas). Replacing a heater element on an electric model doesn’t cost much, but you’ll also need a continuity tester and know how to use it to determine if the element and electrical connections are working properly.

An experienced professional eliminates any uncertainties and can help you save on the cost of water heater repairs, maintenance, and replacement.

Sky Heating & Air Conditioning provides high-quality water heater services in Portland and surrounding areas. Whether your water heater requires maintenance, repairs, or replacement, our licensed professionals get the job done right. They are available 24/7 to help in an emergency. However, our maintenance plans include services that can avoid unexpected repairs, while special offers and financing can also help you save. To learn more or schedule water heater and other plumbing services, call (503) 563-2698 today.

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.

Your home electrical system normally operates at 120 volts. However, alternating current fluctuates and can normally peak at up to 169 volts. Anything higher than that is considered a surge. Spikes in AC power can happen anywhere, anytime.

Power surges may last for as little as a millionth of a second but be strong enough to cause an arc inside an electrical device. This can overheat components such as circuit boards. Smaller surges can occur just by turning on appliances. The damage adds up gradually until an electrical device suddenly stops working.

There are many causes of power surges, such as the following:

• Lightning Strikes: Lightning can trigger the most powerful electrical surges, which cause instantaneous damage and severe injuries to anyone nearby.
• Damaged Power Line: If a power line is blown over in a storm or knocked down in an impact, a break in transmission cables can cause a power surge in your home. A buildup of snow and ice can also cause electricity levels to fluctuate.
• Faulty Wiring: A power surge can be caused by old, frayed, cracked, or improperly installed wiring. Surges also occur if rodents chew through wiring insulation.
• Appliances: Some appliances, like air conditioners and refrigerators, normally turn on and off. This causes momentary increases in demand that cause electrical fluctuations.
• High Power Demand: Using a hairdryer or other high-power appliance can increase voltages to unsafe levels. Higher demand on the power supply, such as on a hot day when more ACs are running, can cause brownouts or blackouts that trigger voltage dips and spikes.

You can’t stop every voltage spike. Power outages on the electrical grid, surges when power is restored, and lightning strikes are out of your control. However, you can protect your home and minimize the risk with the following preventative measures:

• Unplug Electronics During a Storm
• Turn Off Everything During an Outage
• Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
• Plug Appliances Into Dedicated Outlets
• Use Surge Protectors with Larger Electronic Devices/span>
• Install a Whole-Home Surge Protection System
• Schedule a Home Wiring Inspection

You can’t stop every voltage spike. Power outages on the electrical grid, surges when power is restored, and lightning strikes are out of your control. However, you can protect your home and minimize the risk with the following preventative measures:

If a strong storm is approaching, disconnect electrical devices from the power supply to protect them from surges. This is the best way to prevent damage to televisions, computers, and large appliances. Even if lightning doesn’t strike close to your home, disruptions in electricity from the power grid can damage anything that’s still connected.

After a storm, you should do the following to prevent additional damage:

• Reset any electrical devices that aren’t working.
• Check devices and outlets for signs of damage, such as burn marks.
• Inspect your HVAC unit for evidence of damage.

A power surge is almost inevitable as the utility company restores power. It may seem surprising that all the lights are out one second, and the next, your home is jolted by high-voltage electricity. One reason is everything turns back on at once. The more electronics unplugged or turned off, the less the demand as the initial surge of electricity reaches your home. Therefore, shut off all electrical devices and appliances during a blackout, including your air conditioner.

Newer appliances are often advertised as high-efficiency. Manufacturers and dealers love to promote the idea that an expensive, high-end unit will lower your electricity bills. Modern air conditioners, refrigerators, and washer-dryers are designed to meet new efficiency standards, so they draw less electricity. This means they’re also more resistant to power surges, so you can save on both energy and frequent repairs.

How you manage your outlets can prevent power surge damage. Plugging too many devices into one outlet can cause an overload. Distributing the load can prevent a surge in the first place. Large appliances such as refrigerators and HVAC units should not share an outlet with other devices.

The safest solution is to have an electrician install a dedicated circuit and breaker for each large appliance. This avoids exceeding each circuit’s rated capacity. It can also prevent voltage fluctuations due to overheated lines.

A surge protector is effective at preventing damage from internal voltage spikes. Although not designed to handle the intensity of a lightning strike, it can protect an expensive appliance or electronic system from a power surge, and possibly save you thousands of dollars in replacing a home entertainment system or an HVAC unit.

Small plug-in surge protectors protect only one device. A whole-home surge protector is a heavy-duty system that protects every device and circuit from external surges. The system is connected to your main electrical panel. Providing a barrier between the power grid and your home electrical system, it blocks any surge from reaching outlets, appliances, and electronics within your house, no matter where they are.

You might need an electrical panel upgrade if the circuit breakers trip frequently, the panel emits a burning smell, or it looks worn, rusted, or damaged. A common reason to replace the panel is to boost capacity and add amperage to support an increased load. The project also often includes replacing outdated or worn-out wiring, so it has many benefits.

In general, here’s what electrical panel replacement looks like:

A trench inspector determines the project requirements and obtains approval before digging a trench, which will contain the underground feeder conduit. The trench is then re-inspected and backfilled. Sidewalk, street, or driveway repairs are completed as necessary.

Once the installation is complete, repairs to stucco/siding, waterproofing, and painting are completed. A final inspection is then scheduled to ensure your electrical panel upgrade complies with NEC standards.

• Determine the Right Panel Size: An electrical panel’s capacity is measured in amperes. Homeowners often choose a 200-amp panel, which allows you to add a couple of appliances and supports an electric vehicle charger. Larger options include 300-amp and 400-amp electrical panels. To determine the right size, add up the total power requirements of all the lights, appliances, and devices in your home.
• Request a Service Change: Contact your utility company to request a change to your existing services, which requires filling out paperwork. Depending on your utility company, you can request the work order online.
• Wait for a Response: The length of the waiting period depends on the utility company’s availability. Your project is assigned to a planner who visits your home, inspects the area, and creates a design for the new installation. Next, they submit a work order that details the panel location, conduit size, meter height, clearances, and any trenching requirements if underground service is needed.
• Apply for a Permit: You need a city permit for electrical panel replacement. Don’t listen to subpar electrical contractors who quote a lower price and say pulling a permit isn’t necessary. Most municipalities offer a relatively easy process to apply for and get approved for a permit. You cannot proceed with an electrical panel upgrade until this step is complete.
• Meet with a Trench Inspector (For Underground Service): Many electrical installations involve overhead electrical service, which is essentially power lines running to a conduit near the electrical panel. If you see green transformers instead, you likely have underground electrical service.
• Schedule a Disconnect/Reconnect: Whether you have overhead or underground service, you’ll need to schedule an electrical disconnect/reconnect. It’s the date the old panel will be removed and the new unit installed. A service coordinator from your utility company will help schedule this date. The company will disconnect the power on the day of your electrical panel upgrade.
• Grounding/Bonding System Installation: In compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC), two ground rods, a cold water pipe, and an electrical panel connection are installed. A solid, properly sized ground wire connects both ground rods and the other components.
• Panel Removal/Installation: The power is disconnected at the origin point and the old panel is removed. A new riser and weather head are installed for overhead electrical service. Electrical panel replacement proceeds and then a city inspector evaluates the site and notifies the utility company if it passes inspection. Power will then be restored.

Only if you have years of training and experience and an electrician’s license can you replace an electrical panel. It’s one of the most challenging electrical jobs. The reasons you need a professional include:

• Safety: It can be dangerous to work with electricity. One wrong move or a hidden problem can result in a fire, shock, or electrocution. Even electricians often get injured or worse by direct or indirect contact with live electrical equipment.
• Costs: You could make mistakes that cost you more than calling a professional in the first place. Plus, you’d need to purchase/rent expensive equipment you may never use again.
• Permits: Permitting requirements make do-it-yourself projects out of the question. You must have the correct paperwork and authorizations; otherwise, you could face a hefty fine and have to start the job all over again.
• Time: While you might wait for planners, inspectors, and approvals, electrical panel replacement should take about four to eight hours. Depending on the panel installed, the job can be completed in a day. Your electrical contractor will provide a timeline for your project before starting.
• Insurance: Professional electricians are insured. Liability coverage provides protection should an accident occur while the technician is working. Their insurance policy should also include coverage for repairing property damage if necessary.