Author Archives: Brooke Strickland

Why You Need to Schedule an AC Tune-up

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June is right around the corner and we have already had some hot days on the books. Summer is fast approaching and now is the time to get your air conditioning system tuned up. Here’s why.

Reason #1: Tune-ups improve energy efficiency.
Regular preventative maintenance on your air conditioning system means it will use energy with greater efficiency. This will save you money on your utility bill each month. Our experienced team of heating and cooling specialists will clean the coils, blades, and other internal machine components. Clean systems that can move and operate how they are intended will help generate clean and cool air with maximum efficiency.

Reason #2: Tune-ups help increase the lifespan of the unit.
A quality air conditioning system is an investment that will last you many years and if you take care of it, it can increase the lifespan even more. Just like a car needs regular oil changes and tune-ups, so does your air conditioner! Unfortunately, our service team sees many systems need expensive repairs or even see those that are completely broken down because they have neglected to take care of basic maintenance.

Reason #3: Tune-ups will help you breathe cleaner air.
Did you know that indoor air quality is oftentimes worse than outside air? The air you breathe matters and sometimes you won’t even know that you’re breathing dirt, dust, and debris that is transferred from your system into your home. A new system can greatly improve your indoor air quality and ensure that no harmful particles pollute the air that you and your family and friends breathe.

Summer heat is on its way: is your cooling system ready to do its job? When was the last time you’ve had a tune-up on your AC system? Keeping your air conditioner in tip top shape this season is key to making it through the upcoming warm months. Call us today to get an appointment scheduled or to talk to us about a full system replacement.

Should I Repair or Replace My Older Air Conditioning Unit?

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We have already had a series of hot days here in Oregon and summer hasn’t even officially started yet. Is your air conditioning ready to tackle the rest of the warm weather this season? If it is older or is already showing signs of issues, you may be wondering if you should repair or replace it.

When should you repair it?
In most cases, air conditioning problems can be diagnosed quickly, and our experienced team of licensed heating and cooling technicians can repair it. If your system is less than 10 years old, it’s worth fixing, especially if the cost of repair is affordable. However, if you are investing in continued repairs on an air conditioner that is 10, 15, or 20 years old, you’re likely throwing away hard-earned money. Repairing an air conditioner that is on its way out is usually a futile effort and it makes more sense financially to invest in a new air conditioning system that gives you the peace of mind you need before you head into the upcoming warm months. 

Benefits of replacing your air conditioning system:
A new air conditioner is energy efficient and can save you significant money each summer. In addition, a new AC system will work in tandem with your furnace to help clean and filter the air that enters your home, helping improve indoor air quality and reduce spring and summer allergy symptoms. We are a proud Carrier dealer and have a variety of air conditioning models that will work for your home’s layout and your budget. Some of these options include:

  • Infinity Series
  • Performance Series
  • Comfort Series
  • Central Air Conditioners
  • Ductless Heat Pumps

Our team at Specialty Heating and Cooling understands the importance of having a reliable, working air conditioning system installed in time for summer. Now is the time to get your appointment on the books, too, as our schedule fills up quickly! We are happy to work with you to find the right system and will walk you through current rebates and promotions, including Carrier Cash will help save you thousands of dollars on a new system. Contact us today for information!  

Why You Should Get Your Commercial System Serviced for Spring

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Spring weather has arrived, and the days are warming up! The change of weather is the perfect time to get your commercial system serviced. Here are some key reasons why your commercial system should be looked at this season.

#1: Regular preventative maintenance reduces your chances of a system breakdown.
Pacific Northwest spring days can be warm one day and cool the next. That means your system will need to be ready to handle whatever the weather throws our way. Regular system maintenance can save you the hassle of having your system break down, right when you need it most. In addition, equipment that isn’t maintained can waste energy dollars. This will add up to be an additional expense that can dip into your business profits, so stay ahead of the game and schedule your routine maintenance right away.

#2: It will help keep your employees comfortable and safe.
If your heating and cooling system is not properly maintained, there could be leaks or other electrical damage happening to the machine. This could cause an unsafe work environment for your employees and potentially your customers. If there are broken wires or other damaged parts in the system, it could be a fire hazard. Our experienced team of technicians at Specialty Heating and Cooling will look closely at the system and spot any issues before they become a safety or comfort issue.

#3: It can help keep the system working longer.
Regular preventative maintenance is kind of like getting your oil changed on your car. It helps keep it running smoothly, but it also prolongs the life of the system. In addition, it will help ensure that you are up to date on your warranties. New commercial systems can be expensive to repair or replace, so ensuring that it works as long as possible is important as a business owner or manager.

Specialty Heating & Cooling has been working with commercial customers of all kinds for over 30 years. We service and repair all brands and will leave you with a written report after every service appointment! Contact us today to get an appointment set up or to get an estimate on a full system replacement.

Top Uses for a Ductless Heating and Cooling System

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Not every home is able to have a traditional heating and cooling system for many reasons.  That’s when a ductless heating and cooling system could be a perfect answer! We love the invention of the ductless heating and cooling system and install many of these products each year for clients of all kinds. Here are some of the many applications that a ductless heating and cooling system can be effective.

Homes with electric heating:

Ditch the baseboards and Cadet heaters! A new ductless heating and cooling system can save homeowners with electric heat huge amounts of money. Not to mention, you will be doing your part in helping the environment because you will not be consuming as much energy.

Homes that are being remodeled:

Adding a room onto your home or remodeling a portion of your house? A ductless a heating and cooling system is a great solution to provide both heat and cool air to that part of your home without adding any ductwork.  Ductless heating and cooling systems are installed by our team of experts in usually 1-2 days, so it is convenient for your remodeling schedule. Contact us today to talk about your home remodel and how a new ductless heat pump system can fit in with the new layout.

Master bedrooms or bonus rooms:

Bonus spaces or spacious master bedrooms are meant to be an oasis – a place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of regular life. And, how better to do that with a perfectly controlled temperature year-round? Ductless heat pumps offer energy efficient heat in the winter and cool air conditioning during the summer months.  

Garages or workshops:

Many people use their garage or workshops to do different home projects and no one likes being stuck out in an area with too much heat or too much cold air. A ductless heat pump unit offers heads in various areas of your home, including your garage. 

Accessory dwelling units and tiny homes:

Tiny homes or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have become very popular in recent years because they are affordable and allow people to have their own space. Ductless heat pump systems are the “go-to” heating and cooling solutions for these because of their size and efficiency.

So, are you ready to see if your home could benefit from a new ductless heating and cooling system? We are offering a wide variety of low financing options and Cool Cash incentives are happening until June 30, 2019.  That means you can save up to $1,300 on a new ductless heat pump system. Contact our team of experienced heating and cooling specialists to set up a time to talk about what ductless could do for you.

What You Should Know About Replacing Your AC

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Warmer weather is already starting to make its way back into our weather forecasts here in the Pacific Northwest, so it may have you thinking about getting your air conditioner ready. Now is the perfect time to get your air conditioner replaced, so you can have it installed and ready to go before the hot weather returns. Wondering what you should know about replacing your air conditioning? We can help.

#1: Know an air conditioner’s life span.
Heating and cooling systems generally have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. After a decade, it will start showing signs of its age and may need repair services more than it used to. If you have a unit that is more than a decade old and you’ve already started spending money on expensive repairs, there will be a time where you will have to determine if it is more cost effective to replace the whole machine.

#2: Know the importance of energy efficiency.
Systems today are the more energy efficient than ever, and that means that you will be saving money on utility costs each year. Our team at Specialty Heating and Cooling is well-versed in what each air conditioning model has to offer and will explain which ones are the most efficient for your space. This will not only keep money in your wallet, but you’ll be doing your part in going green for the environment!

#3: Know what it takes to maintain the system.
Knowing what it takes to upkeep the life of the air conditioner is key. Annual preventative maintenance is an important part of making sure the system is running at peak efficiency. During these appointments, the unit will be cleaned, and an energy efficiency check will be run to determine if there are any issues or things to be adjusted. Regular maintenance ensures that you get the longest lifespan out of your air conditioning investment. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade your air conditioning system. Our professional team at Specialty Heating and Cooling is standing by to answer questions about which models are right for your home and which will align with your budget guidelines. Contact us today to get started so you can stay cool all season long.

Maximize Your Furnace Performance with Spring Maintenance

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Spring is officially here! Before you know it, you will be turning your thermostat down instead of up! Once warmer weather begins, you will need to plan ahead a bit and be sure that you schedule a spring preventative maintenance appointment for your heating and cooling system. By doing this, you will maximize its performance and you will be ready to head into spring and summer, confident that your system can do its job with no problems. Here’s how you can be sure your system functions at its peak.

#1: Clean air filters regularly.
If you like breathing clean air and you want to help keep your system functioning at maximum efficiency, clean and/or replace your system’s air filter regularly. The filter catches debris and dust so it doesn’t build up on the inside components of the machine. Be sure to replace or clean it at least every other month, especially when dirt is visible.

#2: Schedule a maintenance appointment.
Let the professionals at Specialty Heating & Cooling work their magic and make sure that your system is functioning at peak condition. We will clean filters, run an energy efficiency check, check the inside mechanisms, and be sure that there are no red flags. If there are repairs or adjustments to be made, we will share our recommendations so you can decide the next course of action. Our goal is for you to have a heating and cooling system that runs more efficiently, all year long so you can save money and stay comfortable!

#3: Get ductwork inspected.
Springtime brings lots of allergies. Did you know that your ductwork can have leaks in it that can allow dust, dirt, pollen, and other harmful chemicals into the air of your home? That is not a good thing for people that live with seasonal allergies! Sealing your home’s ductwork through the patented Aeroseal® system means you’ll keep toxins out. It fixes leaks from the inside out by using small aerosol particles that collide and stick to the leaks. With a 98% success rate, you can’t go wrong! Ask us for all the details!

Our experienced team at Specialty Heating & Cooling is ready to help you get your system ready for spring! Contact us today for a preventative maintenance appointment or to talk to us about a full system replacement. We want you to stay comfortable all season long, no matter what the weather is doing outside!

Steps To Get Your System Ready For Spring

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It might not quite feel like spring is only a couple of weeks away, but it will be here before you know it. With the change of season, it’s a great time to start working around your home to get things prepped. Spring is the right time to get your heating and cooling system maintained and ready for the upcoming warmer months. Here are some ways that you should get your system ready for the changeover to spring.

Step #1: Make sure the outside unit is cleaned.
Winter brings rain, snow, ice, and wind. That means that there is likely some debris built up around the outside of your heating and cooling unit. Make sure that this is cleaned up so there is no restricted airflow. In addition, make sure the top of the system is free of dirt and debris, as this could hinder the machine’s performance and could even cause damage to the inside components. If this happens, your machine will work harder to do its job and you could see a spike in your energy bill. It could also cause an unnecessary breakdown.

Step #2: Check your air filters.
This is a home maintenance item that many homeowners forget about. However, it’s one of the most important things to do! Dirty air filters mean you’re breathing dirty, dusty air, and your machine simply won’t be working as efficiently as it could be. Make sure your air filters are cleaned and/or replaced every couple of months. This will help reduce the flow of dust, debris, pollen, mold, or other bacteria that can cause you to feel unwell.

Step #3:  Examine your thermostat.
Is your thermostat old and out of date? Spring is the perfect time to get a new programmable thermostat installed. These will help regulate temperature day and night, even when you’re not home. You can set your desired temperature based on your unique schedule, which translates to saved money! For example, if you work during the day and are gone, don’t heat the house. Program it to turn down a bit while you’re gone, then turn back up when you are home. We are glad to talk to you about what programmable thermostat options are out there for you. The best part: you can save up to 20% in your utility bill year-round.

Spring is a great time of year around the Northwest! Schedule a preventative maintenance appointment with our experienced team of professionals at Specialty Heating and Cooling so you can enjoy the springtime weather this year!  If a full system replacement is in order, we can help with that too. Contact us today for options on what system is right for your home and your budget – we’re standing by!

Got a tax return? Replace your furnace!

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It’s tax season and that means many people are getting refunds. If you’re getting a refund, you might be thinking about ways to use that money, including what home improvements need to be made. If you have put off getting an updated heating and cooling system installed in your home, take some of that tax return money and invest in a new system. Here are some of the benefits of doing that!

#1: Energy savings.
When you have a new heating and cooling system installed in your home, you’ll automatically be saving energy! The systems created today are made to be incredibly energy efficient and are great for the environment. That translates to not only being a good citizen of the Earth, but you’ll also have more money in your pocket when your utility bill arrives.

#2: Clean air:
Did you know that the air inside your home is oftentimes dirtier than the air outside? New furnaces effectively clean and filter the air that is circulated through it, and that means you’ll have improved indoor air quality inside your home! You and your family deserve to breathe clean air and old, outdated furnaces simply don’t have the air filtering options that new machines have. Filtered air can help reduce allergy and asthma symptoms and can remove pollutants and germs that may be circulating.

Our experienced heating and cooling specialists at Specialty Heating & Cooling understand the importance of having a reliable furnace set up for the remaining weeks of winter and into spring. It will not only keep you comfortable now, but for years to come! We are happy to work with you to find the right system for your budget and we can even help you save money with current rebates and other promotions. Contact us today for options.  

Specialty Heating & Cooling Has Won the Super Service Award Again!

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Every industry has its own awards established for excellence and quality and we are proud to report that we have just been recognized as the Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner for 2018! This is the 13th time we have won this award and that is something we are very proud of!

Our team at Specialty Heating & Cooling is dedicated to working with integrity. We focus on providing attentive customer service to each client, no matter how big or small the job is. Recognition with this award shows that we have many verified reviews from satisfied customers. We work hard to pay attention to the details and have years of hands on expertise in the heating and cooling industry, but our loyal customers are what really makes this award possible. 

What is the Angie’s List Super Service Award?
Have you ever been searching for a company that provides a specific service and looked online at their reviews? You know how many options pop up when you’re completing a search, but Angie’s List helps narrow down which ones have the best reviews. Companies that have been recognized with the Super Service Award are named as the top 5% of the businesses in their specific industry or category and they have an overall “A” rating. That means you will be able to work with a company that has a positive reputation for quality in addition to a dedication to its customers.

Here are some examples of what our customers are saying about us online!

“Timely, kind and professional, as always. A company we’ve trusted for almost 20 years, three different homes…” -Allan G.

“They installed a new furnace years ago for me when mine went out. There was solid ice almost to the curve. It had been 8 degrees out and I was home alone with a 105.8 temp. They were the only company willing and able to come. Since then they have done a professional job maintaining it for me.” -Louise H.

We have hundreds of positive reviews for you to read about to learn more! Contact us today for information on getting your new heating or cooling system installed and experience our excellent customer service for yourself!

How to protect your heating system from ice and snow

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Local weather forecasters are predicting that this February in Oregon will be cold and that we will be seeing several different storm situations that could bring ice and/or snow. We have another month or so left of winter and with snow and ice potentially on the horizon, it’s important to know how to protect your heating system from ice and snow. Here are some helpful tips.

#1: Get rid of debris.
Be sure that your outside unit is clear of debris with a two-foot clearance around the unit, including the top. Never use sharp objects to remove any ice or snow that has accumulated on or around the unit, as this could cause damage. It’s also important to remember to never put any storage on top of the unit.

#2: Prune trees.
If there are trees surrounding the outside of the unit, be sure the trees are pruned regularly so there is not a risk of weak tree limbs falling and damaging the unit. Snow and ice can build up on those limbs and cause them to crack and break, falling and causing expensive damage to the furnace or heat pump.

#3: Cover and insulate pipes.
If there are pipes or tubes that that are exposed on the unit, be sure they are covered and insulated before the freezing weather hits. Pipes are prone to bursting during freezing temperatures and it’s important that they are protected during the coldest winter days.

#4: Schedule preventative maintenance.
Staying on top of preventative maintenance for your system is key to detecting any hidden problems. During this appointment, our experienced technicians will clean or replace air filters, clean the blower motor, check for any undiagnosed issues, replace any parts, and ensure that the machine is working at peak efficiency so there are no unexpected breakdowns or surprises when you need your heating system the most.

Perhaps your system is on its way out and it isn’t reliable enough to provide constant warmth for the rest of winter and into spring. Contact us today for information on getting a new system in place. Perhaps it just needs a tune-up or repair – we can do that too! We look forward to serving you!