PORTLAND HVAC
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Here are some common signs that it’s time to repair or replace your HVAC system in Portland, Oregon.

• Your HVAC system is making unusual or loud noises, such as squealing, grinding, or rattling. This could mean that some parts are worn out, loose, or damaged.

• Your HVAC system is producing strange smells, such as burning, musty, or rotten odors. This could indicate a problem with the wiring, the ductwork, or the filters.

• Your HVAC system is not cooling or heating your home evenly or sufficiently. This could mean that your system is too old, too small, or too dirty to meet your comfort needs.

• Your HVAC system is leaking refrigerant or water. This could cause damage to your system and your home, as well as pose a health and safety risk.

• Your HVAC system is breaking down frequently or requiring expensive repairs. This could mean that your system is nearing the end of its lifespan and may not be worth fixing.

• Your HVAC system is causing your energy bills to skyrocket. This could mean that your system is losing efficiency and wasting energy.

If you notice anything like that, you should contact a qualified HVAC contractor in Portland [cough] just like GreenSavers [cough]. One of our licensed HVAC technicians will inspect your system and help you figure out the best course of action.

Whether you need a repair or a replacement depends on the age, condition, and performance of your system. The 5,000 rule offers a general rule of thumb: multiply the age of your system by the cost of the repair. If the result is less than 5,000, consider a repair; if the result is more than 5,000, consider a replacement.

Finding a reliable, licensed HVAC company in Portland, Oregon can feel daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the industry standards and regulations. The good news is that you can weed out the truly disreputable Portland HVAC companies with a few simple steps.

First, check the license status of any HVAC company you’re considering. In Oregon, HVAC contractors must be licensed by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) and HVAC technicians must be licensed by the Oregon Building Codes Division Office (BCD).

You can use the license holder search tool to verify the license number and expiration date of any HVAC contractor or technician. You can also see if they have any complaints or disciplinary actions against them.

Second, you look for reviews, testimonials, and referrals from previous customers. You can use online platforms such as Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, or HomeAdvisor to find ratings and feedback from other homeowners who have hired the HVAC company you have in mind. For example, check out GreenSavers’ reviews on Google.

Third, it’s common to compare different HVAC companies in Portland. If you decide to reach out to different companies, be sure to get written proposals that include the full scope of work along with the HVAC equipment they recommend. At GreenSavers, we rarely come in with the lowest price because we consistently recommend reliable, energy efficient HVAC systems, and we never cut corners during the installation. In fact, every customer gets a satisfaction guarantee.

Finally, ask about the qualifications and certifications of the technicians who will perform the work. Some HVAC companies may have additional credentials such as NATE (North American Technician Excellence), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), or ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America).

Greensavers is a licensed, bonded, and insured HVAC contractor that’s been helping homeowners in Oregon since 2007. We stand out as an eight-time ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year and can help with almost any HVAC project, from installation and repair to maintenance and tune-up.

The installation time and steps to install a Portland HVAC system will vary depending on the size, type, and condition of your home and your existing heating and cooling system.

However, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind. It’s worth mentioning that timelines change all the time. For the most up-to-date estimate, please give us a call at 503.223.8767.

Step 1: Inspection and evaluation. Before installing a new HVAC system, a Greensavers technician will visit your home and perform a thorough inspection and evaluation of your current system and home in general.

Here at GreenSavers, we take a whole-home perspective, meaning that we’ll consider other areas of your home that could be causing the issues that you attribute to your HVAC system. For example temperature fluctuations could be caused by inadequate insulation, large air leaks, or gaps in your ducts.

We’ll dig in during your inspection as well as talk about your budget, timeline, and other details of the project. This typically takes one to two hours.

Step 2: Removal of the old system and installation of the new HVAC system. If you have an existing HVAC system that needs to be replaced, we will carefully disconnect and remove it from your home. They will also dispose of it in an environmentally responsible way.

We will then install the new HVAC system in your home, following the manufacturer’s instructions and the local codes and regulations. We will also test the system to make sure it is working properly and efficiently.

Step 3: Post-installation inspection and education. Not every project gets a post-installation walk through, but we try to make it out to as many as we can. If this is a priority for you, please let us know.

This is a great time to inspect the system again and make any necessary adjustments. We will also answer any questions that you have about the new system.

From start to finish, getting a new HVAC system in Portland typically takes between a couple weeks and a couple months, depending on a few different factors. Please give us a call for the latest: 503.223.8767.

While it's important to have a general understanding of HVAC sizing, you don't have to go too deep. That’s our job! Here are some guidelines.

The size of the HVAC system refers to its cooling or heating capacity, measured in tons or BTUs (British Thermal Units). The size of the system should match the size and needs of your home, as well as the local climate in Portland, Oregon.

A system that is too small will not be able to keep your home comfortable and may run constantly, wasting energy and reducing its lifespan. A system that is too large will cycle on and off frequently, causing temperature fluctuations, humidity problems, and higher energy bills. This is called short cycling.

To find the right sized system for your home, we will perform a load calculation. This is a process that accounts for a few different factors, such as your home's square footage, insulation, windows, orientation, and occupancy, to estimate your heating and cooling needs.

Here are the HVAC brands that we most commonly recommend for homeowners in Portland based on their energy efficiency, performance, durability, warranty, and cost.

• Heat pumps and ductless heat pumps: Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi is a leader in the heat pump industry, offering high-quality products that can provide both heating and cooling for your home. Mitsubishi heat pumps are also very quiet, reliable, and easy to install and maintain.

• Furnaces: Lennox. Lennox is one of the most trusted names in the furnace market, offering a range of models that can suit different needs and budgets. Lennox furnaces are known for their efficiency, comfort, and safety features, as well as their compatibility with smart thermostats and air quality systems.

• Central AC: Lennox. Lennox also excels in the central AC category, providing units that can cool your home effectively and efficiently. Lennox central ACs are designed to operate quietly, smoothly, and reliably, and they can also integrate with other Lennox products for optimal performance and convenience.

• Heat pump water heaters: AO Smith. AO Smith is a reputable manufacturer of water heating solutions, including heat pump water heaters that can save you money and energy. AO Smith heat pump water heaters use advanced technology to transfer heat from the surrounding air to the water, reducing the electricity consumption by up to 60%.

• Bathroom fan: Panasonic. Panasonic is a well-known brand that produces high-quality bathroom fans that can improve the ventilation and humidity levels in your bathroom. Panasonic bathroom fans are quiet, powerful, and durable, and they can also prevent mold and mildew growth, odors, and damage to your walls and ceiling.

• ERV / HRV: Broan. Broan is a leading provider of ventilation products, including energy recovery ventilators (ERV) and heat recovery ventilators (HRV) that can enhance the indoor air quality and comfort of your home. Broan ERV and HRV systems can exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, while recovering the heat or cooling energy to reduce the heating or cooling load.

• Whole home air purifier: AprilAire. AprilAire is a trusted brand that offers whole home air purifiers that can remove up to 99% of airborne pollutants, allergens, and viruses from your home. AprilAire air purifiers are easy to install, maintain, and operate, and they can also help you breathe easier, sleep better, and stay healthier.

Please note that these are not the only brands that we work with or recommend for HVAC in Portland. Depending on the specifics of your home and your preferences, a we may suggest another brand that can better suit your needs. We’re happy to talk about your options and help you find the best solution for your home. Please contact us today for a consultation.

Consider the answer to this question as context. It’s more than most people need to know but helpful if you want to get into the weeds.

The efficiency ratings of different HVAC systems indicate how well they use energy to provide heating or cooling for your home. The higher the efficiency rating, the less energy the system consumes and the more money you can save on your utility bills.

However, the efficiency ratings of different types of HVAC systems are not directly comparable, because they measure different aspects of performance. Here are some common efficiency ratings for different HVAC systems and how to compare them:

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): This rating measures the efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps in cooling mode. It is calculated by dividing the total cooling output of the system in a typical cooling season by the total electric energy input in the same period. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system is at cooling. The minimum SEER rating for new HVAC systems is 13 in most regions, but some warmer regions have higher requirements. By 2023, all northern regions will have a requirement of 14 SEER as well. Some of the most efficient air conditioners and heat pumps can have SEER ratings of over 20.

• EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio): This rating measures the efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps at a specific outdoor temperature (usually 95°F) and a specific indoor humidity level (usually 50%). It is calculated by dividing the cooling output of the system in British thermal units (BTUs) per hour by the electric input in watts. The higher the EER, the more efficient the system is at cooling under peak conditions. The minimum EER rating for new HVAC systems is 10 in most regions, but some warmer regions have higher requirements. Some of the most efficient air conditioners and heat pumps can have EER ratings of over 15.

• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor): This rating measures the efficiency of heat pumps in heating mode. It is calculated by dividing the total heating output of the system in a typical heating season by the total electric energy input in the same period. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the system is at heating. The minimum HSPF rating for new HVAC systems is 7.7 in most regions, but some colder regions have higher requirements. Some of the most efficient heat pumps can have HSPF ratings of over 10.

• AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency): This rating measures the efficiency of furnaces and boilers that use natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity as fuel. It is calculated by dividing the annual output of heat in BTUs by the annual input of fuel in BTUs. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the system is at converting fuel into heat. The minimum AFUE rating for new HVAC systems varies depending on the type and location of the system, but it ranges from 78% to 90% for gas furnaces, from 80% to 85% for oil furnaces, and from 82% to 95% for electric furnaces. Some of the most efficient furnaces and boilers can have AFUE ratings of over 95%.

We get this question all the time, and the short answer is that it’s a huge range.

The cost to install a new heating or cooling system will depend on a few factors, like type, size, and efficiency of the system, as well as the condition of the existing ducts, electrical, and more. In general, you can expect to pay between $4,000 and $24,000.

We realize this isn’t a very satisfying answer, so if you’d like to get a detailed breakdown of costs, cash incentives, and tax credits for your project in particular, please give us a call at 503.223.8767.

We’re fortunate to have competitive financing and strong rebates for Portland HVAC.

Rebates: An overview of the available rebates can be found on the Energy Trust of Oregon’s website. In most cases, you’ll need to work with a trade ally contractor to claim the rebates. GreenSavers stands out as having the highest rating for quality performance and customer service of all trade ally contractors.

Tax Credits: Check out our tax credits page for details, but at a glance, you can get tax credits that cover 30% of the cost of your project up to $3,200.

Financing: You’ll find the a breakdown of the most common financing options for Portland homeowners on our financing page.