Vancouver, WA Air Conditioning: Benefits of a Ductless Air Conditioner

May 16th, 2013

When it comes to keeping your home cool, there are a lot of different options to consider. At Cavalry Heating & Cooling, our Vancouver, WA air conditioning technicians like to keep our customers informed and to work with them in order to find the perfect air conditioning system for their situation. If you are looking for a new air conditioner, you may want to consider the installation of a ductless mini split system in your home. You may not be familiar with these innovative air conditioning systems, but they have many benefits to offer. Take some time to get to know how a ductless air conditioners can improve your living environment.

While a well-designed, properly installed air duct system can certainly distribute air evenly and effectively throughout your home, faulty ductwork is one of the most common causes of energy loss in many homes. By using a ductless mini split system to cool your home, you can run your air conditioner without worrying about where the energy is going. This is thanks to a ductless mini split’s unique design.

In a ductless mini split air conditioning system, an outdoor unit is connected to individual, wall mounted blowers by a simple conduit containing refrigerant and power lines. Because rooms are cooled directly, no energy is lost en route. This allows you to cool your home in a very efficient manner.

Plus, using these individual wall mounted blowers gives you a great level of control over where and how you cool your home. Zone controlled air conditioning is simple with a ductless mini split system. Simply cool those rooms that are occupied, rather than cooling an entire house just to keep your guests in the den company. As bedtime approaches, you can begin cooling down bedrooms so that they are comfortable by the time you turn in.

If you think that a ductless mini split air conditioning system may be a good option for your home, contact Cavalry Heating & Cooling today. Our Vancouver, WA air conditioning technicians will help you keep your home comfortable with great efficiency. Call with any questions you may have about how ductless mini splits can benefit your home.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

Salem OR Air Conditioning: Why is My Air Conditioner Noisy?

May 6th, 2013

At Cavalry Heating & Cooling, we have dealt with a great number of different air conditioning repairs over the years. No matter how durable your system may be, you are going to experience a problem with your air conditioner at some point. Contact us today if you have any concerns about your air conditioning system. One of the most common air conditioning service calls we receive has to do with noisy operation. Here is some info from your Salem OR air conditioning experts about what may be causing your air conditioner to operate loudly.

In most cases, a loud operation from your air conditioning system is the result of poor air conditioning maintenance practices. Routine air conditioning maintenance gives your Salem, OR air conditioning technician the opportunity to thoroughly inspect and tune up your system, before its operation can be affected by the inevitable wear and tear it incurs. A high pitched squealing, for instance, may be the result of a lack of lubrication on a moving part within the unit. It may also be caused by a slipped or damaged fan belt.

A chirping sound within the air conditioner may be caused by a damaged fan. This is a relatively minor problem, but if you do not have it resolved by a qualified Salem, OR air conditioning technician you put your comfort and the condition of your air conditioning system at risk. If the fan in your AC is not operating properly, your air conditioner will not be able to pull fresh air in too cool, nor will it be able to distribute that conditioned air properly.

Sometimes a noisy air conditioner results not from the AC itself, but from issues with the air ducts it uses to circulate air throughout your home. A loud clanging or banging may be caused by the expansion and contraction of your ductwork. It is also possible that your ductwork is not properly secured. A skilled Salem, OR air conditioning professional can tell you for certain what the problem is.

For more information about common causes of air conditioning noise, call Cavalry Heating & Cooling. We have the training and experience to resolve any issues you experience with the operation of your air conditioner. Our Salem, OR air conditioning repair technicians are always available to help.

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

Portland OR Air Conditioning FAQ: What is a Ductless Mini Split System?

April 30th, 2013

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system, you need a good blend of performance and energy efficiency. You may also want customizable control over your different living spaces, instead of a one-temperature solution for the entire home. While there are many different types of air conditioners on the market today, few are as energy efficient as the ductless mini split system. While the name might sound a bit strange at first, you may find out that going ductless is right for your home. We’d like to explain what this type of system is and how it works. For more information about your Portland OR air conditioning installation, call Cavalry Heating & Cooling today!

Ductless mini split air conditioning has the same refrigerant cycle that all air conditioners do, but it doesn’t use ductwork. In order to find out what’s distinct about it, let’s look at the standard AC:

  • The conventional “split”. The conventional split AC system involves two separate units, one indoor air handler/evaporator and one outdoor compressor/condenser. As the refrigerant moves through the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and the evaporator coil, it undergoes a change from gas to liquid (and then to gas, again), and this process works to cool the air that has been extracted from the interior of your home. The ductwork installed within your walls, floors, and ceilings has two functions. First, it extracts the warm air from the interior of your home; second, it distributes the air that has been cooled by the evaporator coil.
  • The ductless difference. A ductless mini split air conditioning system uses the same refrigerant cycle, but it doesn’t require ductwork. Instead of extracting and distributing air by ductwork, the indoor air handler sits directly in the home. But it’s not the bulky and large indoor unit that you may be familiar with. It’s a sleek, compact unit that sits high on the interior wall, or recessed in the ceiling. It connects to the outdoor unit by a small group of refrigerant, electrical and drainage lines. You can typically install up to 4 different air handlers per outdoor unit.

The lack of ductwork gives the ductless mini split much improved energy efficiency, in addition to the built-in zone control, due to the individual temperature settings of each unit. For excellent Portland OR air conditioning service, call Cavalry Heating & Cooling today!

Tags:
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

Portland OR Air Conditioning Tip: Installing a New AC System

April 22nd, 2013

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning system, then you have a wide range of options. Investing in a new cooling system is a great way to improve the comfort of your home and also make it more energy efficient. But it’s a large investment, and you need to make sure that it’s done right the first time. After all, it will last for years to come. We’d like to share with you some things to consider when installing a new AC system. For more information about what to expect about your new Portland OR air conditioning installation, call the experts at Cavalry Heating & Cooling today!

  • SEER. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is an estimate of efficiency given to every AC on the market. It measures the electrical energy input against the cooling output. The current minimum is 13; to be Energy Star certified, an AC needs to be at least 14.5. The higher the number, the better the efficiency. That said, the ultimate energy efficiency of your total AC system relies heavily upon the integrity and quality of your ductwork, as well as factors like home insulation.
  • Ducts or no ducts? This is an important question, one that depends on your personal cooling habits and needs. One of the advantages of a ductless system is that it is highly efficient, owing to the amount of energy loss that ducts are prone to. But they are also different: a ductless air handler sits inside the living space itself, often high on a wall or recessed in a ceiling. You can usually have up to 4 air handlers per outdoor unit.
  • Thermostat. Consider selecting a digital programmable thermostat to compliment your new system. It can lead to substantial savings over the course of an entire year, because you’re better able to control the schedule of cooling.
  • Maintenance. Enrolling in a maintenance program is a great way to ensure that your AC receives the professional care it needs to perform efficiently and effectively.

These are just a few considerations to think about if you’re considering a new AC system. For exceptional Portland OR air conditioning services, call Cavalry Heating & Cooling today!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

Portland OR Air Conditioning Tip: Getting Your AC Ready For The Cooling Season

April 15th, 2013

As we approach the cooling season in Portland, OR, it’s important to recognize the importance of preparing for the heat and humidity. Spring is the best time to fire up your air conditioning system, whether it’s a central air, or ductless mini split, in order to see how it’s operating. Not only will you be able to look and listen for any signs of damage or faulty operation, but you can also then pass along this information to your local AC technician. If you already receive routine maintenance, then you probably already know what to do, but if you have not yet signed up, start today. For more information, contact the Portland OR air conditioning experts at Cavalry Heating and Cooling!

Let’s take a look at a few things you can do during the pre-season:

  • Check and replace your air filter. This is the most important thing you can do for your air conditioner. Your air filter is designed to prevent the buildup of dust and debris on your equipment, so that it can operate effectively and efficiently. Excessive material on your fans and coils and motors causes them to work improperly, and may lead to premature replacement of your entire system. You should also check it about once a month during the cooling season.
  • Keep it clean. Make sure you walk around your AC units, both outside and indoors, to make sure they are free and clear of any debris. Move that box of old clothes that’s been resting against your air handler all winter, or move those branches from off your outdoor unit. Also, ensure that there is enough airflow on every side of the units so that heat can dissipate properly.
  • Enroll in a maintenance program. This is by far the best thing you can do for your cooling system. There’s no substitute for the inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups of a professional technician. You simply can’t get the same attention to detail by yourself. When you join our Comfort Club, you’ll also receive priority scheduling and members-only pricing for when it comes time to replace your AC.

For more information about how to best prepare you AC for summer, call the Portland air conditioning experts at Cavalry Heating & Cooling. Contact Cavalry Heating & Cooling today!

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off

Portland OR Furnace Tip: Improvements for Furnaces in Basements

April 8th, 2013

If your furnace resides in the basement of your home, then its effectiveness depends on the efficiency of your basement. Whether your basement is unfinished or finished and what types of basement ductwork you have both contribute to the performance and energy efficiency of your heating system. Spring is a great time to make improvements to your furnace. The first step is to set up a consultation with a Portland furnace specialist so that he can assess what improvements would be most beneficial to you. For more information about basement furnace improvements, call the Portland furnace experts at Cavalry Heating and Cooling today!

Here are some improvements you can make to your basement furnace:

  • Seal basement air ducts. If you have a basement furnace, you probably have sheet metal ductwork. But not matter what type of ductwork you have in your basement, make sure that it’s properly sealed at all times. Leaky ductwork can account for up to 30% of heat loss during the heating season. That’s a lot of lost energy!
  • Eliminate air leaks. Air leaks are common in the basement because they constructed at the threshold between the foundation and the framing of the home. Depending on the age and condition of your home, there may be significant gaps and holes in the floors, walls, or ceiling. Wiring, pipes, vents, windows, and doors are common culprits in this much-neglected part of the area. Your local professional will fill the small gaps with caulk and the large holes with spray foam. Gaps in the space between the foundation and the framing may require a different approach. Improving the insulation of your basement improves the ability of your furnace to heat your home during the coldest days of the year.
  • Consider upgrading. If your furnace is over 12 years old or requires frequent repairs, then consider investing in a new high-efficiency furnace instead of continuing to heat your home inefficiently.

If you have a basement in your furnace, then there are many improvements you can take advantage of this spring. For more information about Portland furnace improvements, call Cavalry Heating and Cooling today!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

Salem OR Heating Tip: Keeping Comfortable This Spring

April 1st, 2013

Keeping your home comfortable in that “in-between” time of spring can be a bit tricky. Temperatures tend to fluctuate more at this time than they will during the cold winter months or the generally hot days of summer. Some days are likely to be warmer than others, and then when you think summer is just around the corner they suddenly drop back down.

At Cavalry Heating & Cooling, we understand that you want to keep your home comfortable during this unpredictable season. We also know that efficiency is a big concern. Here are some tips from our Salem, OR heating professionals to keep your home comfortable while waiting for warm summer days to arrive.

Most homeowners are comfortable in the temperature range of the low to mid seventies. Spring time is a great time to keep your sweater on in the house while lowering the temperature on your thermostat a bit more than during the winter. Make sure that you are using ceiling fans if you have them in your home to force heat that has risen to the ceiling back down into the living area. This a great way to boost energy efficiency and the resulting even, comfortable heating will allow you to shave a few degrees off your heating settings.

If you put up shrink wrapping over your windows to heat your home more efficiently during the winter months, now is the time to take it down. While shrink wrapping does allow you to retain heat during the winter, it can actually keep heat out of your home during the warmer spring days leading into the cooling season. Also, make sure that you are using your curtains wisely. A glare from the sun may cause you to squint a bit, but blocking out that light on a sunny spring day by drawing the curtains or blinds is a waste of that heat source.

For more information about keeping your home warm during the tail end of the heating season, call Cavalry Heating & Cooling. Our Salem heating professionals can answer any questions you have about maintaining comfortable household temperatures this spring. Contact us today to speak with a member of our team.

Tags: ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

Portland, OR Heating FAQ: How Can I Improve My Air Quality Without Natural Ventilation?

March 25th, 2013

On average, we spend most of our time indoors in our home. Because of that, making sure that your home’s air quality is good should be a big priority. But how can you improve the quality of air in your home other than just opening windows?  Contact the Portland heating experts at Calvary Heating and Cooling for all your indoor air quality services. We provide complete air filtration installation as well as humidity control services. There are few things that you can do to increase the quality of air in your home without natural ventilation.

Benefits of Air Filters

Modern homes are designed to reduce as much heat transfer as possible. This allows them to achieve very high levels of efficiency. However, it also means that your home is sealed up tightly to reduce air movement in and out of your home. Without the addition of fresh air indoor air contaminant levels can increase. The only way that you can remove them, other than opening a window, is to filter them out. Having a whole-home indoor air filter or air cleaner installed is a great way to remove many common air contaminants like dust, pollen, pet dander, viruses and mold spores. Contact the Portland, OR heating technicians at Calvary Heating and Cooling.

Home Humidity Control

Controlling the humidity levels in your home can have huge benefits of your home’s air quality. Many different types of contaminants and pollutants can thrive in environments with too much or too little humidity. For example, if you have too much humidity in your home it can allow dust mites and mold growth to flourish. This increases air contaminants in your home and can negatively impact the comfort of people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Conversely, too little moisture in your home’s air can increase dust levels and also dry out dust mite droppings which are huge allergy triggers for some people.

Contact the Portland, OR heating specialists at Calvary Heating and Cooling for all your home indoor air quality needs. Contact Calvary Heating and Cooling today!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

Vancouver WA Heating Tip: How to Keep Your Heater Efficient During Inconsistent Weather

March 11th, 2013

Maintaining the efficiency of your furnace is easy when you call the Vancouver heating experts at Calvary Heating & Cooling. This can be difficult to do when you cannot predict weather patterns, or when the weather varies throughout the day. You may find yourself turning up the heat really high in the morning, but then in the afternoon when the sun warms up your home, you may not need the thermostat on such a high temperature. Here are some ways to maintain heating efficiency when weather patterns are inconsistent.

Another way to ensure efficient heat in your home is to make sure that you schedule routine maintenance in the fall so that a technician can help to ensure that it is working as efficiently as possible before the cold weather sets in. A programmable thermostat can also help you save energy by allowing you to program your thermostat at different temperatures at varying times of the day. Check with your Vancouver, WA heating contractor first, however. Some programmable thermostats are not designed to work with certain models of heat pumps and high-efficiency furnaces.

In addition to weather changes, humidity control is another important factor in maintaining heating efficiency. Air that is too dry may feel colder and cause you to turn up the thermostat too much and waste energy. We can also install a whole-home humidifier to help with adding the correct amount of moisture to the air inside your home.

Call Calvary Heating & Cooling if you have further questions about heating efficiency or would like to schedule a heating service in Vancouver, WA or the surrounding areas.

Tags: ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

Portland OR Heating Tip: Benefits of Changing Out Dirty Air Filters

March 8th, 2013

Although we may still need our heating in Portland well into spring, it’s important to make sure they are working well year round. We should not neglect our heater during spring cleaning duties. One of the best ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your heating system is to replace your dirty air filter. It’s also one of the easiest and cost-effective heating improvements. We’re committed to informing our customers about the benefits of clean air filters. For comprehensive heating in Portland, OR, call Cavalry Heating and Cooling today!

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of changing out dirty air filters:

  • Energy-efficiency. When your air filter becomes dirty or clogged with dust and debris, it impedes airflow. This reduces energy efficiency by preventing the amount of heated air that reaches your space, but also because it makes your heater work that much harder. You’re basically paying for hot air that doesn’t reach your home.
  • Improved air quality. Your air filter can prevent the influx of contaminants, duct, pollen, dander, and other debris into your home if your air filter is dirty. The buildup of air pressure against a blockage can also create air quality issues elsewhere. While you may not notice these air quality issues, unless you suffer from sensitive allergies, they can have cumulative health effects. Poor indoor air quality is among the top 5 major health concerns, as rated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Extend system life. Changing out your air filter has a considerable influence on the preservation of your heating system. Airflow blockages can cause problems in your heating unit. Overheating can cause cracks and leaks, and can further damage the ductwork. In short, dirty and clogged air filters increase the wear and tear on your system and may also contribute to major problems.

Still unconvinced? Talk to a Portland heating and air quality professional. Changing your air filter is a great way to improve the overall integrity of your system, and to boost energy-efficiency. For comprehensive heating services in Portland, WA, call Cavalry Heating and Cooling today!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off

« Older Entries