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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

AC Maintenance: How Often It Should Be Done

August 11, 2022

Owning a private home in Albany, OR comes with an endless to-do list. You should include your AC maintenance in the list as you try to give your house a facelift. Maintaining the AC unit indicates that you’re a responsible property owner. But how often should you service your AC? Keep reading to learn more. When Should You Service Your AC? You should ensure that your AC unit is serviced at least twice annually. An experienced, certified technician must do the work. While there’re many things you can do to keep your unit running, you

3 Tips for Improving AC Energy Efficiency

July 18, 2022

When the summer heat kicks in, you’ll most likely be counting on your air conditioner to make your home in Albany, OR comfortable. Keeping the AC turned up all day requires a lot of energy, though, and that can be a problem when it comes time to pay the monthly bills. However, if you’re proactive, you can improve your cooling system’s energy efficiency to make sure you and your family enjoy a comfortable yet frugal summer. 1. Schedule an AC Tune-Up Scheduling professional AC maintenance can provide your home with quite a few benefits, and one

How Many Years Might an HVAC System Last?

June 17, 2022

Whether you just bought a new HVAC system or you’re encountering problems with your current one, you’re probably curious as to how long it will last. After all, you want to put off replacement for as long as possible. Here are three key factors to consider in answer to that question. The Kind of HVAC System HVAC systems cover a vast range of comfort units from furnaces and heat pumps to ducted and ductless ACs. The units that last the longest include ductless ACs, which cool only one room but can do so for 30 years,

5 Reasons Your AC Is Leaking Water

May 19, 2022

If you’ve noticed your AC unit is leaking water, it may be essential to understand why. Sometimes, the leak can happen without any indication, and sometimes it will show up after noticing a humid smell every time you turn on the air conditioner. If you’re seeing water around the base of your air conditioning unit and can’t find the cause, there are a few potential explanations. 1. A Dirty Air Filter Many people skip cleaning their air filters, and this can result in a build-up of dust. A dirty air filter can cause the evaporator

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