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 […]
Cost of a New HVAC System with Ductwork
Installing a new HVAC system is an investment, but one that can last many years. Portland area homeowners also know the cost goes up significantly when ductwork is included, whether as part of an initial installation or retrofit. About the Cost of Ductwork Ductwork generally adds to the cost of installing an HVAC system. The […]
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 […]
Inflation Reduction Act and what we know so far.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was signed into law by President Bide on August 16th, 2022, however, it does not start taking effect until 2023 at the earliest. The law allows up to $8,000 in tax credits for eligible homeowners through the Homes Program of which $57 million is allocated for Oregon. Additionally, there […]
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 Remove Humidity?
Air conditioners cool the air in your home by removing heat. But having cooler air doesn’t mean it’s less humid. To address this, an AC system removes humidity by collecting and draining the condensation that forms from water vapor in the air. We’ll now take a closer look at this process to answer the question […]
How Do I Stop My Ductwork from Banging?
Banging is one of the most common noises heard from HVAC ductwork. It is caused by the expansion and contraction of metal duct walls as pressure and temperature in the system change. Ductwork is therefore prone to making noise any time you turn on the AC or furnace. But that doesn’t mean there’s no answer […]
What to Do If Your Toilet Shutoff Valve Doesn’t Work
Turning the toilet shutoff valve is a critically important step before working on your toilet. If you don’t or the valve won’t turn clockwise to close, then your small fix can instantly turn into a flood. Calling an emergency plumber will be your next step. But even the fastest plumbers can’t get there in time […]
How Do I Perform a Duct Load Calculation for an HVAC System?
When ductwork is configured, numerous measurements must be taken. Simply connecting system components and vents with any type, length, or size of tubing won’t cut it. If your ductwork is too small or too large, it can be just as bad as installing the wrong-sized HVAC unit for your home. A duct load calculation during […]
