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How To Deal With a Frozen AC System

June 21, 2023

When your home’s HVAC system freezes up amid the summer heat, it’s easy to panic and fear the worst. However, if you know what to do when your HVAC freezes in advance, it takes most of the stress out of the situation. To help, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to deal with a frozen HVAC system. 1. Turn Off Your AC When your HVAC system freezes, leaving your AC turned on will only make the problem worse. The first thing you should do is turn off your AC. That will stop the flow of refrigerant

Discover Why the AC is Running but Not Cooling

May 10, 2023

There’s nothing more frustrating than discovering that your air conditioner is running but not cooling. This wastes money and energy and makes you uncomfortable. The following are a few reasons why this could be happening: Dirty Air Filters Clogged air filters keep your AC from cooling properly. You can change the air filters if you look at them and see that they are full of dirt and debris. Doing so will provide you with proper air flow through your cooling system. Clogged Coils Your air conditioning system has an outdoor condenser and

3 Different Central Air Conditioning Types

April 21, 2023

The first step in finding the right air conditioner for your Albany, OR home is knowing what your options are. All central air conditioners are either packaged units or split-system units. However, you also have the option of installing a heat pump for year-round heating and cooling. To make the most of your home’s ductwork, increase your indoor comfort, and maintain modest energy bills, read on to learn more about these central AC types. 1. Packaged Air Conditioners Although packaged air conditioners are frequently found in commercial buildings, there are a number of homes that have

Preparing Your AC System for Summer

March 16, 2023

You shouldn’t wait until summer starts to check on your air conditioner. If you schedule your maintenance early enough, you’ll have no problem taking care of any repairs without compromising your comfort. Here’s how to make sure your AC system is ready for summer. Remove Nearby Debris and Plants Start your AC care routine by clearing away any plants, branches, shrubbery or debris within a few feet of the external unit. Loose wood chips and twigs can get pulled inside and cause internal damage. They’ll also obstruct airflow, which will increase your summer energy

What is Variable Capacity Central AC?

February 19, 2023

A Guide to Variable-capacity Central Air Conditioners You have a few different options to choose from when installing a new central AC system or replacing your old unit, and this choice will have a major impact on how much energy your cooling system uses and your overall comfort. By far the best choice in terms of energy efficiency and comfort is a variable-capacity AC unit. While these units do cost more, the benefits that they provide can definitely make them worth the price. How Do Variable-capacity Central ACs Work? Most basic air conditioners are single-speed,

How To Improve Your Homes Indoor Air Quality

January 18, 2023

Improve the Indoor Air Quality in Your Home If you are concerned about the air quality in your home, there are many ways to improve air quality without a lot of hassle. Our team at Mike's Heating and Air compiled a list of tips for improving indoor air quality so you can see benefits in improved airflow, better utility bills, and a safer home. 1. Schedule Times to Change and Check Air Filters Changing the air filters in your house will give you the ability to have the cleanest airflow possible. Not only should you have

Can You Heat Your Garage With Your Furnace?

December 21, 2022

Whether you use your Albany home’s garage to store your car or your extra belongings, there’s no denying that a garage is handy to have. During cold Oregon winters, though, doing anything in your garage can be a burden. Since your furnace does a great job of heating your home, you may wonder if it can also heat your garage. Here are a few things you should know about effective garage heating from the HVAC pros at Mike's Heating and Air. Capacity Issues If you simply try to extend your furnace’s ductwork to your garage, you’re likely to run

What Benefits Do Gas Furnaces Have?

November 16, 2022

Finding the best heating system for your household can be a difficult and stressful process. Gas furnaces are one of the most popular heating choices available today, which might have you wondering if they’re worth your while. Keep the following benefits in mind when deciding on your next HVAC system replacement. Lower Maintenance Costs You won’t have to spend as much to maintain your gas furnace over the years compared to some other options. These systems have few electrical components that may break down or need service. Annual maintenance is enough to keep your repair

Is It OK to Use Old Waste Oil in Your Furnace?

October 20, 2022

If you have a lot of waste oil lying around, you might be tempted to toss it in your furnace. At a glance, this can seem like a cheap and efficient way of warming the house. However, it’s not always advisable and may lead to repairs. Before you use old waste oil in your furnace, there are a few things you need to know. Standard Furnaces Won’t Work With Waste Oil If you have a standard gas, electric, or propane furnace, powering it with waste oil won’t be an option. These furnaces are meant to run

Ductless Air Conditioners for Homeowners With No Ductwork

September 15, 2022

Ducts are the most common method for venting air in most homes. If your home has no ductwork, you’ll need to find a different way to cool your home. For example, suppose you’re not connected to ductwork but would like cooler air flowing through your rooms. In that case, you can install an evaporative cooler – an outdoor unit that uses the humidity in the air around it to cool the room. Or, you can use a dehumidifier that pulls moisture from the air and releases it into a drain or water tank. Your best option, however, is a ductless

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