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The Benefits of a Ductless HVAC System in Oregon

February 27, 2020

For decades, home heating was done the same way. Whether you used a boiler or a furnace, you were stuck burning fuel to heat up the air in your home. Additionally, you were required to spend time and money on extensive ductwork that makes your system inherently less efficient because the ducts absorb some of the heat you generate. On top of that, the fuel you burn is not going to be 100% efficient. With so many inefficiencies in the system, there had to be another way, right? The Answer: Ductless Engineers in Japan in the

How To Avoid Spring Allergy Season

February 27, 2020

The first day of spring is here! As we head into the new season, many of us are dreading coming allergies. Hay fever is another name for those seasonal allergies, and you may not realize that 10% to 30% of all Americans suffer from it. The more pollen there is in the air, the more sinus irritation and respiratory problems you’ll have this spring. Fortunately, you have some control over the air in your home. Here are our tips to limit allergens from your indoor air. What Comes In As we mentioned, pollen is a substantial

AFUE Explained

January 29, 2020

Shopping for a new furnace? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. For instance, how do you compare one furnace to another? Which one is the most energy-efficient? Are more costly units really worth the difference? Fortunately, there are some key furnaces characteristics you can use to help you choose the best system for your home. One of these is the AFUE rating. What is the AFUE rating? AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. It is a standardized measure of the furnace’s energy efficiency over a one-year time period. In many ways, it

New Year’s Resolutions for a Safer, Cost-Effective Home

January 10, 2020

Now that the new year and new decade have arrived, it’s time to make a resolution for 2020! While many folks lean towards the usual pledges (to eat healthier foods, exercise more, etc.), this could also be a great year to take some practical steps toward improving the safety and cost-effectiveness of your home. How can you ensure that your home is safer and your utilities are lower in 2020? Just make a couple of items from this list your New Year’s Resolution! Take the Time to Declutter Make the

Should I Buy a Gas or Electric Furnace?

December 13, 2019

Are you preparing to install a new furnace or replace your existing one? If so, then you might be wondering whether it would be better to install a gas furnace or an electric furnace. Both types have their advantages and drawbacks, so it always pays to do some research to determine which one will best meet your heating and budgetary needs. To assist you in that research, we’ve broken down the basic characteristics, pros, and cons of gas furnaces and electric furnaces below. How are gas furnaces and electric furnaces similar? Both furnace

Tips for Keeping Your Holiday Guests Cozy and Comfortable

December 9, 2019

Are you hosting some overnight visitors this holiday season? If so, use these tips to ensure their stay is welcoming and comfortable! 1. Vacuum and dust. This can make a massive difference to those who are especially sensitive to dust and dander. When dusting, a microfiber cloth or wand will be the most effective tool, as opposed to a traditional feather duster. Make sure you don’t forget to dust these often-neglected nooks and crannies: Furniture (including the undersides) Ceiling corners Baseboards, molding, and chair rails

4 Smartphone-Compatible Thermostats That Take the Guesswork Out of Energy Savings

November 13, 2019

With so many smart thermostats on the market, narrowing down your choices can be tough. Most people know they want one that they can program with a schedule and control with their phone–but are there other factors that set specific models apart from the competition? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your options, our HVAC experts recommend one of these four thermostats: Honeywell T10 Nest Lennox iComfort® S30 ecobee4 Not only are they smartphone-compatible, but they come with practical features that we will

Tips for Keeping Your Fireplace Safe and Beautiful

October 16, 2019

Nothing makes a home feel cozier than the warm glow of a fire on the hearth. However, a poorly-maintained fireplace can put your home in danger. To avoid fire- and gas-related hazards, it’s crucial to keep maintenance as a high priority. Keep reading to get maintenance tips for gas and wood-burning fireplaces, as well as some decorating ideas to spruce up the hearth in your home! Maintenance Tips for Gas Fireplaces Even though a gas fireplace doesn’t actually burn wood, it’s still important to inspect it for any potential issues while you clean

5 Signs That Your Furnace Needs Pre-Winter Maintenance

October 11, 2019

HVAC experts recommend getting your furnace serviced and inspected annually to maintain its efficiency and increase its lifespan–but did you know there are tangible clues that show your furnace needs maintenance? If you notice these warning signs, it’s time to schedule an appointment for your heating system. 1. Your furnace is making strange noises. Your furnace’s usual operating sounds tend to be like white noise in the background. Once your furnace starts to make some unusual noises, it’s time to call a technician. Keep an ear out for rattling or squealing sounds, as

Will the Freon (R-22) Phaseout Affect My Air Conditioner?

September 12, 2019

If you own an air conditioner that uses R-22 (also known as Freon), you’ve probably heard about a “ban” on this refrigerant that’s taking place in 2020. You’ve also probably accumulated a lot of questions in the meantime, such as what this ban actually restricts and how it might affect you. To clear up some of the confusion, we’ve compiled answers to some frequently asked questions about the R-22 phaseout and the upcoming restrictions we can all expect in 2020. Is there going to be a ban on R-22 in 2020? ANSWER: The