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If your house has rooms that are consistently warmer or cooler than others and never at the temperature set by your thermostat, you could benefit from zoned temperature control. It’s a heating and cooling alternative that helps you save money and keep everyone in your house happy.

Most homes have an air system that is controlled by a single thermostat.  The idea is that you set the temperature and then shortly after, every part of your home is comfortable. Unfortunately there are many things that can prevent this from happening. The air that is being distributed may get stuck in an area like a vaulted ceiling or recessed lighting that keeps your air system from working efficiently. Cool air often settles, preventing rooms on the second floor from ever getting as cool as other places. Windows allow heat to transfer in and out, especially when they are facing the sun.

Zoned temperature control works around these problems by establishing zones throughout your house that are each controlled by a different thermostat. Because they are responsible for controlling the temperature in just one area, they are more able to overcome the natural obstacles that cause fluctuations in consistency.

Multiple thermostats also make it easier for everyone in your house to be comfortable. Rather than having the same temperature everywhere, people in different zones can set it to whatever they want. For instance, mom can keep the study a few degrees warmer than the living room, where dad is, while the kids play upstairs in an even cooler area.

Zoning systems can be installed very quickly and easily. There is very little equipment necessary to convert your current system to a zoning system. New thermostats, dampers, a control panel and possibly some ductwork modification are the only things that have to be taken care of during an installation.

To learn more about zoned temperature control, contact Roth Home today.  We have proudly served the Portland area since 1976.

Fall is in the air, so it’s time to kiss summer temperatures goodbye for another year and step into cooler weather. But before you shut off the air conditioner for the winter, take a few minutes to consider Roth Home’s Customer Care Plans. By choosing one of these cost-effective plans, you can enjoy true home comfort all year round.

Here’s why choosing a Customer Care Plan can make your life easier:

If you are interested in the convenience, discounts and time-saving benefits of our plans, contact us at (503) 673-6394!

A filter change is one of the easiest and simplest tasks you can do to keep your furnace running at its best. Clean filters reduce wear and tear on your furnace and can save you money on your heating bills.

Here are some reasons why changing your furnace filter regularly will benefit you and your furnace:

To help remind you when it’s time to change your furnace filter, consider installing an air filter change indicator. This gauge is installed between the furnace blower and filter, where it detects drops in system pressure caused by dirt accumulating in the filter. When the pressure reaches a calibrated level, the indicator arrow shows you it’s time to change the filter.

For information on furnace filter maintenance, contact us at (503) 673-6394. We have more than 35 years of experience delivering reliable HVAC services to customers in the Portland metro area.

Oregon generally has a pleasant summer lacking in humidity, unlike many other places in the United States. However, Portland and western Oregon residents often have to contend with high indoor-humidity levels during the rainy season. Sometimes you can address these indoor moisture levels effectively by fixing structural problems and controlling indoor moisture causes.

But when you’ve done everything recommended to fix your structures or you can’t do anything further to your home structurally, then it’s time to look at dehumidification systems to help maintain a safe and comfortable home environment.

Why is indoor humidity a concern? A comfortable indoor relative humidity level ranges anywhere from 30 to 50 percent. Over 50 percent relative indoor humidity, however, can lead to problems such as mold, mildew, large dust mite populations, and moisture damage to your home. Unchecked, these problems can cause health problems such as allergies and asthma as well as structural damage. Dust mites enjoy relative humidity levels over 50 percent, and mold and mildew grow quite well in a combination of 70 percent indoor relative humidity and 40-plus degree temperatures, according some experts.

How do you know if you have a moisture problem that might be solved by using a dehumidification system? Here are some things to look for:

Dehumidification systems operate by cooling air from inside the house to extract the water from it, then reheating the drier air before pumping it back out into the house. The moisture extracted from the air is collected in a reservoir and dumped either automatically or manually, depending upon the dehumidification system model that you purchase. Air conditioners operate like dehumidifiers, except that they don’t reheat the air. And it’s unlikely you’d want to use your A/C unit in the wintertime to manage winter humidity!

So if your home is starting to resemble the rain forest, perhaps it’s time to consider a dehumidification system to manage that dampness. Contact the experts at Roth Home for more information.

Before you part with your hard-earned money to purchase a service agreement for your HVAC system, there are two basic questions you need to ask yourself before signing on the dotted line. Service agreements and warranties may sometimes save you from future repair costs, but they also can be a waste of money.

What type of service agreement is best for me and my HVAC system? There are different types of service agreements. Some cover both parts and labor, as well as regular preventive maintenance. There also are labor-only agreement that may or may not include emergency repairs. You may even opt for just a preventive maintenance contract, which should include basics like changing filters and the cleaning of internal components.

When choosing a service agreement, consider how much basic maintenance you can perform on your heating and cooling equipment — and how likely you will actually do it. The age, condition and value of your existing equipment should also factor in your decision.

What’s the reputation of the company selling the service agreement? Too often, companies jump on the service agreement bandwagon to augment their income during lean months. To avoid paying money to a company that won’t respond promptly to your needs, check out customer testimonials.

If you’d like more information on service agreements, contact the friendly experts at Roth Home. We have been serving residents of the Portland area since 1976.

When you’re in the market for any type of new appliance, you always want to make the most informed decision possible. Buying a new furnace is no exception. The energy efficiency of any potential heating system is something you’ll want to keep in mind, and AFUE ratings are an easy way of measuring this. It means annual fuel utilization efficiency, and it’s used to measure how well a furnace or boiler converts energy it uses into heat. As an example, if a furnace has an AFUE rating of 95 percent, that means it successfully turns 95 percent of the energy it uses into heat, while that last little 5 percent goes to waste.

There are several reasons why AFUE ratings are so important to consider. First of all, appliances that waste less energy are simply better for the environment. Aside from that, they have the potential to save you a lot of money down the road. As recently as 10 or 15 years ago, new furnaces and boilers were wasting a lot more energy than current ones do, and even though you aren’t getting any heat from that energy, you still end up paying for it when the heating bills come around. To illustrate how big the difference is, if you were to upgrade from a 75 percent AFUE rated furnace, all the way up to a newer, 95 percent rated one, you would immediately begin saving that 20 percent different on utility bills, according to some sources.

Unfortunately, these new heating systems can run you $4,000 to $6,000, meaning many households simply can’t afford to make the investment. However, if it’s something you can afford, then you would be wise to go out and make that upgrade now. It may seem like a big dent in your wallet in the present, but it’s guaranteed to pay off in the long run.

So, don’t overlook those AFUE ratings when shopping for a new furnace. It may not seem important now, but it will make a big difference down the road. For household needs in the Portland, Ore., area, contact the professionals at Roth Home.

Before you decide that a dual-fuel heat pump is right for you, you need to add up the numbers. Here are four important calculations that will help you know if your investment is worth it:

  1. Begin by analyzing the cooling and heating load of your home.  There are many aspects that determine the specific range of cooling and heating capability you want your equipment to have. The amount of insulation, size and layout of your home and number of occupants are just a few examples of aspects that affect your home’s cooling and heating load. A technician can help you determine the specific loads of your home, and then he or she can tell you if your equipment is sized correctly.
  2. Compare the efficiency ratings of different dual-fuel heat pumps. While this kind of equipment is more efficient than regular furnaces and air conditioners, some heat pumps are still more efficient than others. Keep your eye open for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, and annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE)ratings. The higher these numbers are, the more efficiently the unit can provide cooling (SEER) and heating (AFUE) for your home all year-round.
  3. Do a comparative cost analysis. This will help you see how much money you will save over a given period of time once you make your investment. This is great for determining how long it will take your dual-fuel heat pump to pay for itself in energy savings.
  4. Find out about compatibility. A dual-fuel heat pump will replace your air conditioner, but in order to have enough heat in the winter, it will also need to be compatible with your current furnace. If you have an older furnace, you may need to upgrade it as well so it will work with a new switch-hitting system.

These are not calculations you can make on your own, so contact Roth Home today at (503) 673-6394 for guidance. We would be happy to answer all your questions about dual-fuel heat pumps and provide you with our expert advice on the subject.

As much as 50 percent of the energy your home uses can go toward heating and cooling. To reduce that amount as much as possible, you can boost the efficiency of your HVAC system so that you see savings in your utility bills.  

Change Your Air Filters
This is a very simple step that you should perform regularly. By replacing or cleaning your air filters (check the manufacturer’s recommendations for which is appropriate for your filters), you make it easier for air to flow through. This prevents your air system from overworking and wasting energy. 

Preventive Maintenance
A service check for your HVAC system will help you get the most miles out of it as well as keep it running efficiently. Every single component is inspected to make sure it is running at peak performance. This protects you from unexpected breakdowns caused by deterioration of parts.

Install A Programmable Thermostat
These give you the ability to control your air system even when you are away from home.  If your house is empty for hours a day, a programmable thermostat will help you reduce energy waste while still keeping your home comfortable. They can be set to go to an energy-saving mode after you leave and then turn on shortly before you get back so that you don’t have to wait in an uncomfortable house.

Seal Your Ductwork
You can lose as much as 20 percent of your conditioned air through faulty ducts.  Sealing them with an easy to use duct mastic can help with your HVAC system’s air distribution. It is a spreadable, putty-like substance that can be applied over any holes or cracks to prevent air from escaping.  

For more tips and advice on how to get the most from your HVAC system, contact Roth Home today. We proudly serve the greater Portland area. 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Oregon homeowners could save as much as 20 percent on heating and cooling by sealing and correctly insulating their homes. Different kinds of insulation are appropriate for different areas of your house, and there are also certain types that work best with Oregon’s climate.

R-value rates how resistant insulation is to heat flow. Higher R-value typically means greater efficiency, but you don’t automatically want the maximum R-value in every area. The value you need depends on several factors, including where you plan to install it, your heating and cooling system and your location.

We don’t have the same needs in Oregon that they have in Arizona, and every residence is unique. If you’re planning on adding insulating material, it’s a good idea to have a professional evaluation before making any big changes.

The current R-value minimum requirements of the Oregon Residential Energy Code are:

R-value can be affected by where in the home the insulation is installed, and how well it’s installed. For instance, if the insulating material is compressed, it may not live up to its R-value. If it’s not correctly installed in a wall or ceiling, some heat may still escape through the joists and studs. That’s why quality installation is so important to capitalizing on the material’s R-value.

Don’t forget to insulate your ducts, too! A great deal of energy can be lost through leaks and poorly insulated ductwork.

If you’re interested in maximizing your home’s performance by updating your insulation, call Roth Home at (503) 673-6394. We’re proud to keep Oregon homeowners comfortable while helping them save money.

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