Have you had air quality testing done in your home or business lately? If you’re like many people, the answer is likely no.

But did you know that poor air quality can increase your risk of breathing problems and serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease?

Sick building syndrome (and its residential counterpart, toxic home syndrome) occurs due to air pollution inside a building or home. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, asthma attacks, and personality changes, and long-term exposure can have detrimental effects.

Having the air quality of your home or business tested can quite literally save your life! Read on to learn more about air quality testing and why it’s so important.

What Is Air Quality Testing?

There is no single air quality test for your home or building. Rather, there are several tests that be done. There are tests that you can purchase and perform yourself, or professional companies can do the testing for you.

The following are just a few issues that can be tested:

• Radon: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. It enters the home through cracks in walls and floors. Radon exposure can lead to lung cancer.

• Mold: Mold can grow anywhere in a home or building where there is moisture. Mold can cause asthma attacks, trigger allergies, and cause other respiratory problems.

• Volatile organic compounds: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can be found in many consumer products, such as glue and paint. They can be released even when the product is not in use! Exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. VOCs can also cause damage to the kidneys and liver.

• Combustion pollutants: Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide are both combustion pollutants that can come from sources such as gas stoves, furnaces, and unventilated use of gas and kerosene heaters. Exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory problems, and even death.

What Are the Benefits of Air Quality Testing?

An air quality test provides many benefits. It will detect any issues with carbon monoxide, which is incredibly important. Carbon monoxide poisoning killed over 2,200 people from 2010-2015 alone.

Testing air quality can also help identify and thus reduce allergy triggers, such as dust and mold, and pollutants, such as radon. Radon is actually the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers!

Aside from health benefits, air quality testing can lead to reduced energy costs. Testing your HVAC system and ensuring it is running correctly and efficiently will not only improve your air, but it will also lower your energy bill.

What Should You Do After Testing the Air Quality of Your Home?

If you’ve had your air tested, and the results weren’t exactly what you were hoping for, don’t worry! There is plenty that can be done.

First, be sure you’re changing your filters regularly. Make sure your home ventilation systems are working well, including bathroom and kitchen fans.

Professional services such as air duct cleaning can also improve the indoor air quality of your home or business. Contact us today to receive a free estimate!

A good HVAC system is something you won’t miss until it’s gone.

But many people don’t care for their HVAC systems properly. That makes them costly and even a health hazard.

With summer on the way out, now might be the time to give your HVAC some TLC and prepare for the fall. Check out these HVAC tips to make sure your system is ready for the first cold snap.

Replace Your Filters

Filters have a limited shelf-life. After a certain point, their efficiency begins to drop.

This is something you can take care of yourself, too. Old filters will waste energy by running at reduced efficiency. So not only can you get more out of your HVAC system, but you’ll save money, too.

Compromised filters can even pose a health hazard. If your filters are clogged and damp, they could be spreading mold spores through your home. Make sure to clean your filters for your family’s health.

Call in the Experts

If you suspect your HVAC is underperforming, now’s the time to get the experts in.

You’ll want your HVAC working before fall comes around. Waiting until colder weather could leave you stuck without heating. You’ll also join the ranks of others who waited until there was a problem to get it fixed. That means you could face higher call-out fees or a long wait for an engineer.

Checking your system and getting it patched up in advance is the kind of foresight that could save you money and discomfort in the long run.

Check Your Vents and Intakes

HVAC isn’t a hands-off system.

To keep your HVAC running at full efficiency, you’ll need to clean it. Make sure none of your intakes or vents are blocked by debris. Summer might have left you with bits of twig, grass cuttings, and fast-growing weeds blocking your intakes. Cut back any foliage that might be blocking airflow.

You’ll also want to expect your intakes and vents for damage or deterioration. Are your fans running as they should be? Are your units still securely fixed to the wall? Also, check for any signs of electrical damage to avoid a fire hazard.

Warm It Up

Your HVAC’s heating system has probably sat idle for a few months.

That means it’s a good idea to warm it back up before fall comes. It could take a while for the system to get back up to full efficiency. Luckily, fall comes on gradually, so you can use some cold snaps or cooler nights as a good excuse to get it running again.

Running your HVAC before you truly need it might also help you to detect faults early.

HVAC Tips Save You Time and Money

It may seem like a chore, but these tips will save you time and money in the long-run. So use this as a checklist before fall comes around to make sure your HVAC is doing the best it can to make your home comfortable.

Be sure to follow our blog for more HVAC tips and tricks!

Do you ever wonder why some people love their AC so much? Well, according to Buzzfeed, it’s because “it doesn’t talk back, it makes you feel good, and it’s always there for you.”

We can definitely agree on the first two, but the third one? That’s debatable. If you’ve seen your fair share of ACs that do not work like we have, then you know that ‘always’ isn’t true.

The good thing about broken ACs though is that they don’t have to remain broken, especially if you strongly suspect that it’s an HVAC duct problem. Here, we’ll talk about common HVAC duct issues and what you can do about them.

1. Blocked Ductwork

In a previous post, we talked about the importance of preventative maintenance to keep your air conditioning cost low. This is because aside from other potential problems, dust and debris can collect in your HVAC’s ductwork. At first, this may not be a huge deal but over time, it may completely block air flow.

Not only will this lead to varying temperatures but also higher energy consumption, which of course, translates to more energy costs.

2. Leaks

Imagine your vacuum hose having leaks, cracks, and holes. Obviously, it won’t be able to suck up dirt as efficiently as one that’s in pristine condition. The same applies to your ductwork.

If it’s leaky, it can’t cool properly. This usually happens with old HVAC systems or those that were poorly installed. Sometimes, rodents are to blame for gnawing on the HVAC duct parts.

To prevent leaks, duct joints must be sealed properly. For improper installation, your best bet is to have professional HVAC contractors look over the problem so they can either provide a solution or recommend the best course of action to take.

3. Design Issues

Did you recently renovate your home or office?

Perhaps, you forgot to take into account your HVAC system while changing the layout of your home or office areas. Or maybe the ductwork design is flawed, to begin with. Are the ducts too narrow? Are there too many bends? Is your HVAC system placed too far from the areas that need to be cooled?

These are just some of the design issues you could be dealing with, especially if the ones who installed your AC don’t have the expertise to correct for possible air flow problems.

Best Fix for HVAC Duct Problems

Some AC problems such as dirty filters or incorrect thermostat settings are easy enough to troubleshoot. Ductwork issues, on the other hand, are best left to professionals, unless you have experience cleaning or redesigning HVAC systems.

But don’t worry. Calling experts in doesn’t mean you’re throwing away money. As we’ve said, air duct cleaning is still preventative maintenance.

What you’re essentially doing is nipping things in the bud before they cause bigger problems. After all, HVAC systems aren’t exactly cheap. It only makes sense to protect your investment by doing the smart thing.

If you need air duct cleaning service, don’t hesitate to give us a call or get a free estimate.

We love the summertime! From festivals to fairs— rodeos, floats, and concerts– there may be no better time to enjoy all that Portland has to offer.

The only drawback to summer is the high price for feeling cool at home and in the office. With energy prices steadily on the rise, all of us want to know how to save money when it comes to air conditioning.

In order to lower your air conditioning cost, there are a number of things you can do this summer. Master these, and your savings account will thank you.

You may even have more money to spend on summer trips and ice cream! Let’s find out how:

Make Sure You Are Insulated

One of the worst feelings is discovering you have high air conditioning cost because you are paying to cool off the whole outdoors!

Doing a check for proper insulation and investing in windows can greatly impact your costs at home. In many cases, these improvements can lead to rebates.

Check For Mold

Having mold in your home or office can be a health risk. And some homeowners and property managers may understand it can affect home and property values.

Proper air conditioning won’t just hurt you and your loved ones, or the value of your home– it will also cut down on the growth of mold. Mold can cause indoor air pollution as well as signal other issues in your home.

If an inspection turns up mold you may need to address the AC in your home as well as the insulation. You may be paying extra to have the cool air seep out the cracks in your home and ductwork.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

The experts suggest investing in a programmable thermostat to lower your air conditioning cost. In fact, this technique can save you 10% a year on your energy costs!

Have It Made In the Shade

Using your shades, curtains, and blinds during the hot hours of the day can cut energy costs. If you will be out during the heat of the day make sure to draw your blinds.

Perform Preventative Maintenance

The worst time to think about changing the oil in your car is after the engine breaks down. It will cost thousands to rebuild.

The same is true for your air conditioning. For homeowners and property managers who want lower conditioning cost, performing regular maintenance is the key.

A little investment goes a long way. From filter changes to duct cleaning, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way.

Check your manufacturer’s recommendations for regular planned maintenance and adhere to them You

Duct Cleaning Services

If your ducts have dirt, residue, and contaminants it can cut down on the efficiency of your HVAC system. Your air conditioning cost may be higher simply because your ducts aren’t operating optimally.

One way to cut your costs is by hiring professional duct cleaning services. Willard Power Vac can help.

We operate around all around Portland and have provided dependable service for years.

Our customers get cleaner and more cost efficient air conditioning systems. Come find out more about our track record of success and get a free estimate today.

Did you know heating and cooling constitutes nearly 50% of your monthly energy bill?

The average Oregon household spends approximately $94 per month on their electricity bill. Over time, these expenses pile up. But your HVAC system is the only thing that makes harsh winters and summers seem bearable.

The good news is that a clean HVAC system slices your bill significantly. Plus, it helps keep you and your family comfortable no matter the weather.

Here are 5 ways HVAC cleaning can help you cut costs.

1. It Helps Reduce Humidity

As an HVAC system wears down, it gradually gets worse at dehumidifying. This is why one of the first signs of a failing heating and cooling system is a humid home.

To combat humidity and prevent mold growth, many homeowners invest in dehumidifiers. However, most dehumidifiers cost anywhere from 6 cents to 10 cents to run per hour. This can lead to an extra $15-$50 per month in energy costs.

2. It Eliminates the Need for Fans

Dehumidifiers aren’t the only thing needed to compensate for a dirty HVAC unit. Weak heating and cooling units force some homeowners to invest in mini fans and heaters as well.

Mini fans and heaters can be a good temporary solution for your heating and cooling woes. However, running several of these appliances daily adds more to your energy costs. Plus, these smaller appliances don’t provide as much comfort as your larger unit.

3. It Removes Dirt From Coils

Clean condensing unit coils and evaporator coils are the keys to optimal heat transfer in your system. Dirty coils, on the other hand, are the bane of all HVAC units.

With normal use, coils in your unit accumulate dirt. When too much dirt piles up, it forces the entire unit to work harder and less efficiently. This is about the time when you’ll notice your energy bills soaring to record heights.

4. It Prevents Cracks in Ducts

If you don’t clean your air ducts, dust and grime can eventually cause cracks in them. These cracks impact the system’s performance by allowing air to leak out. As a result, the system doesn’t heat and cool your home as well as it should.

When this occurs, you’ll find that you’re forced to keep your system running nonstop. However, a system that doesn’t allow air to escape will save you money by getting more done in less time. But you can’t detect cracks without getting your ducts cleaned.

5. It Prolongs the Life of the Unit

Dirty coils and cracks in ducts both force your heating and cooling unit to work overtime. While this doesn’t seem like a big deal, this inefficiency causes extensive wear and tear.

A lifespan of a solid HVAC system is usually 15-20 years. In some cases, a unit may even last up to 30 years. However, you have to dole out money prematurely if your unit tanks due to a lack of maintenance.

HVAC Cleaning in Portland

A dirty heating and cooling system seems easy enough to ignore. However, by ignoring it, you end up paying more for a system that doesn’t even function optimally.

You should get an HVAC cleaning every 1-2 years. A regular cleaning ensures your system continues to work reliably throughout the seasons.

Older systems are not the only ones that struggle with dirt. In fact, newer systems actually benefit more from regular cleaning. Efficient heat transfer maximizes their capabilities.

If you’re in the Portland area and need professional HVAC cleaning, get a free estimate today!

Air pollution is always a concern when you go outside, especially if you live in a major city like Portland.

What you probably didn’t know is that the inside of your house might just be as dangerous.

Indoor air pollution is a serious problem that poses health risks, especially for people with asthma or allergy concerns.

You are probably wondering what causes indoor air pollution. You’re in luck because that’s exactly what we are going to be looking at!

Smoke Is Always Answer Number One to What Causes Air Pollution Indoors

Smoke can lead to all kinds of problems, from simple irritation to cancer. This can be from smoking in the home or directly outside of it. Smoke can also come from fireplaces and stoves as well.

The best piece of advice is to simply get rid of the problem. Being exposed to smoke for an extended period of time can cause asthma and other serious health effects as well.

Make sure you aren’t allowing anyone to smoke in your home or by your doors and windows. Have your fireplace and stove checked, and ensure they are ventilating properly.

Building and Cleaning Materials

If you live in an older home, you are at a high risk of asbestos exposure.

Even though this product has been banned from widespread use, it can still pop up in houses built before the 80’s and in some paints.

Formaldehyde is a product that shows up in many common items around your house and should be taken seriously.

It can cause serious health effects. Look on this list from the Health and Human Services and make sure you don’t have these products in your home.

Mold

Mold isn’t just a problem when you see it on your bread. It could also be in your home and be polluting your air. Mold will cause health problems when there’s long-term exposure, and mold spores spread easily through the air.

Mold is what causes air pollution if your house is humid or has a lot of damp places in it. Fix any leaks or flooding immediately and check your air conditioning unit and pipes for leaks.

After the extremely wet winter Portland has seen, get a professional to check your ducts to make sure mold isn’t growing there.

Outdoor Sources

Radon can get into your home no matter where you live. It naturally occurs from the decay of uranium that is in almost every soil type. It is a carcinogen that the EPA takes very seriously. Get your house tested for it regularly.

Pesticides and other outdoor sources can get into your house as well. Ensure your home is properly sealed and ventilated to control these substances.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer. Oftentimes, deaths occur from its inhalation without people knowing that it’s even there.

There are ways to protect yourself. Ensure you have enough Carbon Monoxide alarms in your home. Also, if there is ANY suspicion of it being in your home, leave immediately and call a professional.

Carbon Monoxide isn’t just a cause of air pollution. It’s what causes air pollution deaths.

We Are Here When Your Family Needs Us

If you suspect that any of these indoor pollutants are in your home, have someone check it out immediately. There is no time to waste when it comes to you and your families health.

We can find out what causes air pollution in your home and take care of the problem in a timely and efficient manner.

We have served the NorthWest since 1975, and have a reputation for honesty and delivering only the best customer service. If you need us, contact us and we will be there to keep your home air pollution-free.

 

Allergies cost the United States $18 billion a year. 1 out of 6 people living in the US will or already have an allergy.

Why should you be contributing to that $18 billion? Before you go to the doctor once again, check for these things, they might be contributing to your allergies.

You may not be able to get rid of allergies, but you may be able to lessen their effects and save money as a result.

It’s often the things that we don’t see that contribute to our problems. For instance dirty air ducts in your home.

Here are the things that are affecting your allergies and some advice on how to lessen their effects.

Bad Indoor Air Quality

The air in our homes is much worse than outside. We are constantly exposed to chemicals in our homes.

A study concluded that a typical American home contains over 500 chemicals. Some of these chemicals trigger your allergies.

Chemicals can kill bacteria. They can also be very harmful to you and your health.

An air purifier can help with this problem. It removes toxins from the air. Toxins that are present in your walls due to paint or that are in your bathroom cleaning supplies.

You should also try to limit using some of these chemicals. Check the labels of your products and research their components to see if what is in them can affect you.

The best way to remove chemicals is by not having them in the first place.

Dirty Air Ducts

You don’t see them.

It’s hard to see a problem if you don’t look at where the problem is. We don’t see air ducts.

Dust can settle anywhere and one of these places includes air ducts. The problem with dirty air ducts is that it’s not easy to clean them as they aren’t as accessible.

Regardless of what cleaning you do at home, air ducts are there, and if they are not cleaned, they will have an effect on you.

If you need someone to help you clean your ducts, get in contact with us, and we will help you.

Air ducts can hold more than just dust though. They can be the home for mold.

Dirty Chimney

The material that you burn matters. Certain things release certain chemicals. Some of these stay within your home and harm you.

You can lessen the effects of the dirt caused by chimneys by considering what you burn and by cleaning your chimney.

Conclusion

Sometimes it’s things that you don’t see that contribute to your problems.

Make sure to clean the places that you cannot reach. Just because the places that you can see are clean does not mean that you decreased the effects of them.

Things that are hidden are contributing to your allergies the most, but just because you can’t reach them doesn’t mean that they can’t reach you.

It also doesn’t mean that you can’t clean these places, you can, you just have to contact the right people.

Get in touch with us if you need help.

Every city’s got its little idiosyncrasies.

Miami’s got key lime pie and humidity.

L.A. got palm trees and celebrities, year round.

And Portland? Well, it’s a hip city, with great housing, the Portland Trail Blazers, and…oh yeah, the winters are wet!

And, while that makes for great reading weather, it’s not as great for your ventilation system.

In today’s article, we’ll be looking at the effects of Portland’s notoriously wet winter on your home, and how air duct cleaning can help to prevent them.

So, without any further delay, let’s get ready to get wet!

Wet, Wet, Wet

Mold forms in air ducts when they get wet, the same as any other enclosed, warm space. The air you’re breathing flows through these ducts, meaning mold spores in your house are potentially harmful to you and your family.

In a city like Portland, where winter rainfall has topped 45 inches in recent years, this can be a real problem.

To make matters worse, air duct cleaning in an insulated system is hard to do effectively when the insulation gets moldy. Typically, when this does happen, the insulation itself needs to be replaced, entirely, which is a pain.

Air duct cleaning needs to be handled by a professional with the right equipment.

Certain steps have to be taken to make sure you aren’t just spreading the mold around. Professional technicians vent spores out of the home, covering furniture to protect it. Lastly, access holes must be resealed and insulated, after cleaning.

As if the air quality wasn’t enough of a concern, moldy air ducts can lead to other problems:

• The spread of mold stains to other parts of your home.
• Bad smells.
• Contaminated food.
• Faulty or shorted electronics from moisture and spores in the air.

Air ducts are an enclosed system that needs to be properly sealed off. Because of this, EPA actually recommends not cleaning out your ducts regularly, in case you compromise it.

That being said, if you find water leaking out of you air ducts, that’s a clear sign of flooding, and the health risks become more important. Call a professional, before the effects of mold in your home air become too bad.

How to Take Care of It

HVAC services are a genius solution to this kind of problem because they make use of the system you already have installed to do your cleaning for you.

Expert technicians hook up a high-powered vacuum to your furnace, pulling the air back out through the air vents.

Then, while that’s happening, each vent and return air register is individually cleaned. The dust and mold particles are vacuumed out, leaving the entire system clean as a whistle.

Air Duct Cleaning in Portland

Truth be told, air duct flooding isn’t all that common. If you’re lucky, you’ll never have to deal with it.

But, if it were going to happen anywhere, it would happen in Portland in the winter.

Do the right thing this winter, and call us if you begin experiencing any symptoms of moldy air ducts. Our air duct cleaning services and over-the-phone quoting mean expertly cleaned ventilation systems, set up in no time.

Is your HVAC system performing as it should? Do you need a duct cleaning?

Read on to learn how and why you should get your ducts cleaned regularly.

When do you need a duct cleaning?

Having the ducts of your heating and cooling system cleaned may be something you have never thought about.

While it is not something which needs to be done regularly, there are times it should be considered.

If your home has suffered damage

Has your home been subjected to any extreme weather lately? If you have had a flood, fire or been snowed in – it may be time for a cleaning.

Your ducts may have been damaged and it’s a smart idea to have them checked by a professional.

If you have pets

When you have a fluffy friend, they often leave hair lying around. You may notice you have to vacuum more regularly just to keep the house clean.

For those who have pets, it may be worth considering a duct cleaning. Those tiny hairs can get into the air and create dust in your system.

If you bought a new home

If you have just purchased a new home, it’s a good idea to have the ducts cleaned before you move in.

This will ensure your HVAC is clean and any dust from the previous owners is removed. This will give you a fresh start in your new home.

If you smoke inside

If someone in your home smokes indoors, you should get your ducts cleaned. You want to keep the air clean and the system running smoothly.

Smoking can affect the quality of air in your home so ventilation is essential.

If you have vermin in your roof

Have you noticed any traces of wild animals or heard them scratching around in your roof?

Once you have eliminated the problem, it’s important to get the ducts cleaned. You don’t want any nasty animal feces, urine or fur left in your system.

If you have any asthma or allergies

If someone in your household suffers from asthma or allergies you may need to have your ducts cleaned.

If they notice their symptoms worsen, dirty ducts may be the cause.

What might they find?

If you hire a professional for your duct cleaning, be aware they might find mold. If there is any mold in your HVAC system this needs to be removed.

Mold can make you ill so it is important it is dealt with. If you find any mold on the outside of your ducts, it is time to organize a service.

In addition to mold, there may be dust or vermin present.

It could save you money

Interestingly, having your ducts cleaned could save you money. If your system isn’t up to scratch it may not be running efficiently.

If this is the case, you could be using more electricity than you have to. When your system needs a clean it might be harder to reach your perfect temperature.

Electricity is expensive, you don’t want to pay more than you need to!

What are the risks?

The risk of hiring an inexperienced professional to come and clean your ducts include:

• Damage to the system
• Harsh chemicals
• Overcharging

The most important thing is to have a good filter. This will help keep your air fresh and clean.

Willard Power Vac has over 40 years in the business. You can trust that we will handle your systems and concerns with great care. You need a professional that you can trust, and that’s what you’ll get with us.

Do you need your ducts cleaned? We can help!

Contact us today and we will visit your home or business and get the job done.