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Air Conditioning
Browse Sky Heating articles about air conditioning — tips for Portland, OR homeowners.
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26 articles
The Ultimate AC Fan Checklist
Your air conditioner has various functions, including a fan to circulate air, which is why your home will get uncomfortable if the AC fan is not spinning. Do you know how to use your air conditioner’s “Fan” mode? Your AC unit’s settings go beyond “Cool” and “Heat”, and using the system’s fan can help you […]
A Guide to Equipment Sizing for AC Installation
Equipment sizing is one of the most important things to know before AC installation. A more technical process than many people realize, sizing an air conditioner requires a thorough evaluation of your home. A simple calculation of a building’s square footage isn’t enough (although it’s an important step). In this guide, we’ll explain why an […]
How Much Can I Save with Ductless Mini-Split Installation?
Ductless mini-split installation can save you money over time. However, installation costs depend on system type, size, and other factors, so potential savings over a central AC system vary. Higher upfront costs aren’t a deterrence if you have the budget. Investing more at the outset can yield benefits you wouldn’t otherwise see, including improved efficiency, […]
8 Risks of DIY AC Installation
Homeowners don’t often realize how complex AC installation is. You should never attempt a DIY air conditioner install. There are far too many problems you can run into. On top of the many things to know before AC installation, finding a qualified professional should be a priority. Here are the specific risks of trying to […]
10 Questions to Ask a Mini-Split AC Installer
If you’re seeking a mini-split installer near Portland, OR, there are several questions you should ask them. A mini-split is a popular upgrade and an eco-friendly alternative to traditional central HVAC equipment, but installing one requires many considerations. When you’re planning to update your heating and cooling system, it pays to be informed. Here are […]
How Long Does Duct Sealing Last?
When scheduling a duct sealing service, customers often ask how long the seal will last. Sealing duct leaks can stop conditioned air from escaping, improving comfort and efficiency. It can also prevent contaminated outdoor air from reducing indoor air quality. Below, we’ll look at the longevity of duct sealing, which can depend on the sealing […]
Air Conditioning Vent Installation Guide
Proper air conditioning vent installation helps your HVAC system perform optimally and can impact the design of your home. Whether installing vents for the first time or replacing old ducts, careful consideration must be given to grills, registers, and ductwork connections. We recommend hiring an AC repair and replacement contractor to help. Nonetheless, here’s a […]
How Can I Tell I Have a Split AC Unit?
It’s important to tell whether you have a split AC unit so you know how to maintain it and when you might need AC repair or replacement. This is one of a few climate control systems used in the U.S. (where 88% of homes have air conditioning, according to the Energy Information Administration).¹ We’ll explain […]
5 Alternatives to Installing Ductwork In an Older Home
Installing ductwork in an older home can be challenging for many reasons. Oftentimes, there simply isn’t enough room for HVAC ducts. Even if there is, you may still need to break through plaster walls, lower ceilings, cut holes in the floor, hide ducts in boxed corners, and repurpose limited closet space. But air ducts aren’t […]
How Often Do I Need AC Duct Replacement?
Replacing ductwork is an extensive and costly project. Fortunately, HVAC ducts don’t have to be replaced that often. They can last 10 to 15 years before issues such as deteriorating materials make them inefficient. Proper maintenance, duct sealing, and other ductwork services can help ducts last longer. But knowing when you need AC duct replacement […]
8 Things to Know Before AC Installation
Air conditioning is essential for any home or business. It provides a wide range of benefits, including comfort, humidity control, and improved indoor air quality. But AC installation is far from a simple process. At Sky Heating & Air Conditioning, we are professionals when it comes to AC repair and replacement, but there are a […]
How to Plan for Duct Installation
Few homeowners have the knowledge and equipment to attempt duct installation themselves. It’s best to have a licensed professional install or replace ductwork. However, you can plan accordingly, which is important because ducts move all the air between your central HVAC system and each room. And depending on the setting, they also help remove hot […]
Is It OK to Run the Fan Without the AC?
If you look at your thermostat, you’ll see a fan option on the switch or touchscreen. We often hear, “Is it OK to run the fan without the AC?” The short answer is: Yes. You can run the fan with the AC off. Learn some practical reasons to do so and considerations if you plan […]
What to Do If the Toilet Shut-Off Valve Is Leaking
If your toilet pipe is leaking, it’s likely due to a faulty shut-off valve. This important component controls water flow and should be used when a leak or unsanitary conditions are present. If you have a leaking shut-off valve near your toilet, the team at Sky Heating, AC, Plumbing, and Electrical has some helpful tips […]
How Do I Know When to Replace the AC Condenser Unit?
The condenser unit is a vital part of your AC system. It’s a large piece of equipment that sits outside, where it releases hot air that’s been absorbed from your home. Within the condenser are components that compress the refrigerant and handle condensation and evaporation. It also contains condenser coils, a fan, and an expansion […]
What Size Duct Do I Need for a 12′ x 12′ Room?
Air ducts must be sized exactly right for a central air conditioning system to work properly. The square footage of a room mainly determines the proper duct size. Too large or too small a duct can cause a room to be too hot or too cold. To answer the question, “What size duct do I […]
How Do I Know I Have an Air Conditioner Refrigerant Leak?
Refrigerant circulates continuously as an air conditioner is running. It absorbs heat, releases it outdoors, and allows your AC to deliver cool air to your home. An air conditioner refrigerant leak can prevent your AC from producing cool air. Numerous other effects are also possible. Therefore, it’s important to know when coolant may be leaking. […]
What to Do If the AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air
For most homeowners, it’s pretty close to a worst-case scenario. The AC turns on but refuses to cool things down on a hot summer day. Should you call an AC repair company or try to get the unit working again yourself? Surprisingly, your options may be wide open. We’ll now take a look at what […]
What Types of Central Air Ductwork Can I Use?
A home doesn’t have as extensive a network of air ducts as a commercial building. But homeowners often underestimate the importance of duct design and the type of ductwork installed. A duct’s size, shape, material, and flexibility should be carefully considered. When installing or replacing your HVAC system, the types of central air ductwork you […]
What Does the AC Fan Do?
Your air conditioner has a fan that turns on/off with the compressor. However, you can select “Fan Mode” so the fan stays on even if the unit isn’t cooling your home. Either way, the fan will blow to circulate air. The AC fan is an essential part of your air conditioning system. We’ll explain this […]
Should the Fan Be On When the Heat Is On?
Heating costs are high and are continuing to rise. Therefore, homeowners in the Portland area often weigh improved comfort over saving. Operating a heating system is complicated during the wintertime. A common consideration is whether the fan should be on when the heat is on, or to set the thermostat to auto. To clarify this, […]
How to Replace a Compression Shut-Off Valve
Compression shut-off valves are used with copper pipes to create a watertight seal. A compression sleeve fits in a coupling nut, which screws onto the valve body. The brass sleeve compresses against the copper pipe as the nut is tightened. Fortunately, this is a simple process. Most people can learn how to replace a compression […]
How Much Does Adding a Vent to Existing Ductwork Cost?
You can add a vent to existing ductwork if your AC can handle it. This can provide comfort in rooms not served by your HVAC system. It can even improve indoor air quality and increase your home’s resale value. But what does adding a vent to existing ductwork cost? We’ll explain below and discuss some […]
Benefits of Running Your AC Fan Only at Night
We’ve covered the perks of always running your HVAC fan. But there are disadvantages such as increased energy usage and wear. However, there are reasons to consider having your AC in fan mode instead of cooling mode when you’re sleeping. Running the AC fan only at night allows air to circulate without overworking the air […]
How Does an AC Condenser Unit Work?
When talking about HVAC systems, the condenser is one of the most often-mentioned components. An AC condenser unit is part of the outdoor unit where heat is dissipated from refrigerant inside a set of coils. It’s where coolant is converted from a vapor back to a liquid. If the condenser isn’t working, refrigerant would retain […]
15 Facts About Air Conditioning You Never Knew
For most people, air conditioning is a modern convenience. It’s easy to use—just turn it on, or raise or lower the temperature, to stay comfortable. But there’s more to it; there are probably many facts you never knew about air conditioning, and far too many to cover everything here. Nonetheless, in between taking AC repair […]
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