Cooling Archives - Mike's Heating and Air

Why Your AC Struggles in High Humidity (Even in Oregon’s Mild Climate)

July 12, 2026

When people think about air conditioning problems, they usually picture triple-digit temperatures. That’s why it can be confusing when your home feels uncomfortable on a relatively mild day in Albany. The thermostat says 72 degrees, the AC is running, yet the house still feels warm and sticky. In many cases, humidity is the reason. While Oregon isn’t known for the same humidity levels as the Gulf Coast or Southeast, periods of elevated moisture can still affect indoor comfort. When humidity rises, your air conditioner has to do more than cool the air. It also

The Best Thermostat Settings for Comfort and Efficiency During Oregon Summers

June 2, 2026

Summer in Albany often brings warm afternoons, cooler evenings, and periods of higher temperatures that can put your cooling system to the test. While seasonal AC maintenance is crucial for efficient cooling, thermostat settings can have a significant impact on both comfort and energy usage. Finding the right balance between indoor comfort and efficiency can help you stay cool throughout the summer while avoiding unnecessary strain on your cooling equipment. Why Thermostat Settings Matter Your thermostat acts as the control center for your cooling system. Even small adjustments can affect how

How to Reduce AC Energy Usage During Oregon Heat Waves

May 7, 2026

When the first major heat wave hits Oregon, many homeowners suddenly rely on their cooling systems for longer periods of time. In Albany and throughout the Willamette Valley, these early-season temperature spikes can lead to higher energy bills and increased strain on AC equipment. Taking a few proactive steps can help improve efficiency and reduce cooling costs as summer begins. Why Do Early Heat Waves Increase Energy Usage? Oregon homes often transition from cool, rainy weather directly into periods of intense summer heat. Because many homes in the region were not originally designed for

Spring HVAC Prep Checklist: Get Your System Ready Before Allergy Season Hits

March 3, 2026

Heating and cooling account for a significant portion of household energy use in the United States, often exceeding 40 percent of total consumption according to the U.S. Department of Energy. After months of steady winter operation, your system must transition to cooling mode just as Albany’s spring temperatures begin to rise. At the same time, pollen levels increase throughout the Willamette Valley. Preparing your system in early spring helps improve efficiency, reduce unexpected breakdowns, and support healthier indoor air before the first warm spell arrives. What Should Be on Your Spring Prep Checklist? Replace or Upgrade Air Filters

Ductless Mini-Splits: The Perfect Solution for Cooling Your Home or Business This Summer

June 5, 2025

Summer heat doesn’t discriminate. It blazes through homes, offices, shops, and warehouses alike. Whether you’re trying to keep your family cool at home or maintain a comfortable environment for customers and employees, one thing’s for sure: a reliable cooling system isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. If your current system struggles to keep up or your building was never equipped with central air, there’s one solution we trust to do the job right: ductless mini-splits. How Traditional Cooling Systems Can Fall Short As temperatures climb during the summer months, keeping indoor spaces comfortable becomes a top

Is Your AC Ready for Summer? Preseason Maintenance Tips for Cooling Efficiency

May 10, 2025

As the weather in Albany starts to warm up, now is the perfect time to make sure your AC is ready to keep you cool all summer long. A little preseason maintenance can go a long way in helping your system run efficiently, avoid breakdowns, and maintain a comfortable home or business environment when the heat is on. Why Preseason Maintenance Matters When your AC sits idle during the cooler months, dust and debris can collect in and around the system. Without proper maintenance, this buildup can lead to poor airflow, reduced cooling efficiency, and even

Preparing Your Heat Pump and Heating Systems for the Seasonal Switch

March 3, 2025

As you begin to see the seasons change in Albany, OR, your heating and cooling system needs to have the proper maintenance in order to keep up. To be ready to handle temperature fluctuations, schedule regular maintenance for your heating pump. This ensures your heat pump or furnace operates efficiently, keeps your home comfortable for years to come, and prevents unexpected breakdowns during the next season. Transitioning from heating to cooling—or vice versa—without proper preparation can lead to performance issues and higher energy bills. Test Your System Before the Season Changes Before

Signs Your AC Compressor Needs Repair

August 12, 2024

The compressor is the heart of your air conditioning system, responsible for circulating refrigerant through your AC unit and ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable. When the compressor starts to fail, it can lead to a host of problems, from reduced efficiency to complete system breakdown. Here are some signs that your AC compressor might need repair: Reduced Cooling Efficiency If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home as effectively as it used to, the compressor could be to blame. When the compressor struggles, it can’t circulate refrigerant properly, leading to insufficient cooling.

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

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