It’s easy to appreciate the way your home looks in natural light during the day, but what about at night? Adding just the right amount of landscape lighting has several key benefits for homeowners in Portland.

• 1. Increased Safety and Security: Landscape lighting can increase the safety and security of your property by illuminating dark areas around your property. You’ll be able to see tripping hazards, uneven terrain, animals, and intruders.
• 2. Improved Curb Appeal: Why should you only be able to enjoy your home during the day? Landscape lighting highlights your home’s unique features by creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Does landscape lighting increase your home value as well? Yes, adding outdoor lighting can increase your property value by as much as 20 percent.
• 3. Extended Your Outdoor Living Space: Extend the time you spend outdoors by illuminating your patio, deck, or other outdoor living areas. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor spaces well into the evening and even on cloudy or rainy days.
• 4. Energy Savings: If you’re looking to light up your yard with more eco-friendly solutions then LED lighting is a great alternative compared to traditional lighting options. Many modern landscape lighting systems come equipped with timers and sensors that can further minimize energy usage and save you money on electrical bills.
• 5. Low Maintenance Exterior Lighting: Landscape lighting requires little maintenance once they’re installed. This means you can enjoy the benefits of landscape lighting without having to worry about ongoing upkeep or repairs.

If you’re looking for a local electrician to install landscape lighting around your Portland home, look no further than Roth Home. Contact our team today to schedule your installation service.

March might still be a cold and rainy month for the Pacific Northwest, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t begin spring cleaning. One great way to start this annual deep cleaning involves cleaning off your home’s ceiling fans.

To avoid damaging your fan and setting it up properly for the summer months, our experts have created the following guide to help you clean it safely:

1. Gather Supplies To Clean Your Fan – Depending on the height of your fan, you’ll need to grab a step stool or ladder to reach the top of the fan, a soft dry microfiber cloth or sponge, glasses, a tarp or old sheet to catch dust, and an all-purpose cleaning solution.
2. Turn Off The Switch To The Fan – Cleaning the fan while it is operating could cause damage to the blades or you to get hurt.
3. Place The Sheet & Ladder Under The Fan – Make sure the tarp or sheet is spread out as much as possible. That way, the dust and debris will fall onto this instead of your carpet or flooring. The ladder or step stool should be secure on top of this sheet before you climb up to clean.
4. Wearing Protective Eyewear – Standing under the fan or near it will put you directly under falling dust and debris as you clean. To avoid dust, dirt, and the all-purpose cleaner from accidentally getting into your eyes, it’s wise to wear glasses, goggles, or other protective eyewear while cleaning.
5. Place The Cleaning Solution On The Sponge or Cloth Only – The cleaning solution should only be placed on the towel or sponge as you go to clean the panels. Doing this will prevent the panels from becoming stained, scratched, or warped from the solution as you clean them.
6. Gently Clean The Bottom & Top Of Each Panel – There should be no need to scrub these panels with the soft sponge, towel, and cleaning solution you use. The accumulated dust should either stick to the towel as you gently wipe each blade or fall onto the sheet you’ve spread out below.
7. Let The Blades Dry Before You Use The Fan – If you turn on the ceiling fan too soon, any dust or debris that is floating around will stick to your fan again. Your fan should completely dry in at least an hour or two. If you’re looking to speed up the drying process, take a dry towel and gently brush it over the blades before turning on the fan.

Cleaning your ceiling fan seems like a relatively easy, safe, and simple task, but it’s also important to take the above precautions to protect yourself and this appliance. If you’re standing up higher than a foot or two to clean your fan’s blade, then you should also make sure another person is present to hold the ladder or stool you’re standing on. Added support is always a good idea when you’re cleaning objects in higher places in your home.

Which Way Should A Ceiling Fan Turn In The Summer and Spring?

In addition to spring cleaning, you’ll need to change the direction of your ceiling fan when warmer weather arrives in Oregon. During the winter months, your ceiling fan should turn clockwise to push cooler air up and warmer air down.

In the summer months, you want your ceiling fan to turn counterclockwise so that cooler air can be pushed down. To switch your fan from a clockwise to a counterclockwise rotation, you’ll need to locate a switch on the central component of the fan above the blades. There should be a sliding or toggle switch that you will press in the opposite direction.

Once you’ve located and turned over this switch, you can turn on your fan to see if the blades are rotating counterclockwise.

Seamless Ceiling Fan Installations With Roth

If you’re looking to get a new ceiling fan installed before warmer weather arrives, then you should contact Roth Home, Plumbing, Electrical & Drain Services. Once your appointment is secure, our experts will be in touch with you to tell you when we are on our way, how your new ceiling fan will work, and answer any questions you might have before we depart.

To schedule your appointment, please contact our customer service team now.

Identifying Problems with Your Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets are one of the most frequently used features in any home or business. Without outlets, we couldn’t use most of the electrical appliances we depend on day to day, and just like your lighting fixtures, light switches, home generators in Bend, Oregon and other essentials, outlets require inspections and replacement from time to time.

While electrical outlets might not be something we think of as very dangerous, they can malfunction and pose a serious threat to the safety of a home or business at any time. Identifying these types of electrical problems can prevent mild inconveniences or even catastrophes, such as appliance short-outs and house fires.

Warning Signs of A Bad Electrical Outlet

There are several indicators that can indicate your electrical outlets in Bend, Oregon are going bad. Below are a few warning signs to look for in your home or commercial building.

1. Sparking Outlet

An outlet that sparks when plugging in any appliance or other electrical device is an obvious sign something isn’t right with your electrical system. This could be one of the many warning signs of an electrical fire about to ignite.

2. Melted Outlet or Discolored Outlet Cover Plate

If you notice one or more outlets are melted in your home or business, this is another indication that the outlet(s) in question is highly dangerous and poses a fire hazard, even when not in use.

3. Smoking Outlet

A smoking outlet indicates your outlet is not working properly and has sustained damage, possibly due to heavy use, cracking, corrosion, etc. Whatever the reason, if one or more of the electrical outlets in your home or business are smoking, contact a certified commercial or residential electrician in Bend, Oregon as soon as possible.

4. Burning Odors

If you notice a burning smell coming from an electrical outlet, or a burning odor is present in the building without any identifiable source, these are warning signs that your outlet(s) may be faulty.

5. Outlet Feels Hot

If an outlet feels hot to the touch, even if it’s only one side of the outlet, this is another indicator that your outlet(s) are going bad and pose a danger to your home or business.

6. Loose Plug

If a plug falls out of a power outlet when you go to use it, or a plug sits loosely in the outlet, these are indicators that the outlet is old and has endured excess wear. This poses a fire hazard just like an electrical outlet sparking would. This is because loose outlets indicate wire connections are aged, weak, and unreliable.

7. Tripped Circuit Breaker

If you’re constantly tripping the circuit breaker every time you plug something into an outlet, this is a common sign that the outlet isn’t working properly and needs to be inspected by an electrician.

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs occurring at your home or business, or other unexplained electrical issues, turn off the flow of electricity to the affected outlet(s) and contact our professional electricians in Bend, Oregon today. The team at Roth Home will assess the situation and provide professional advice that could help prevent a catastrophe.

Contact Roth Home for Electrical Repairs & Services

If an outlet sparked recently in your home, you’ve noticed an unexplained, persistent smell of smoke or burning, or an outlet sparks when plugging in appliances or electrical devices, it’s time to contact the professionals at Roth Home.

Not only do we offer expert outlet and switch installations, we also provide electrical inspections, rewiring services, and lighting installations.

Beautiful spring weather is right around the corner, and we know you cannot wait for less rain and warmer days ahead. Before we get there, it’s important to remember that Portland still has widespread rain and cold temperatures predicted throughout February and early March.

To bridge the anticipation of spring weather with the last weeks of winter in Portland, Oregon, we’ve gathered a few tips you can use to keep your household comfortable for both seasons.

Enduring Late Winter Weather

While temperatures can soar as high as 50 degrees in February, there are still opportunities for Portland to see snow and ice this winter. For these days, you’ll need to make sure your furnace is fully operational so your home can stay warm and dry.

In addition to ensuring your furnace works well, here are some additional tips that homeowners in Portland should consider:

1. Humidity In Your Home Should Be Balanced – Your home should be a dry sanctuary from the cold and damp outdoors, but it shouldn’t be so dry that it affects your sinuses. During the winter, it’s recommended to keep your home’s humidity levels between 30 and 40 percent.
2. Give Yourself Lots Of Light – Winters in Portland can be tough because of the shorter days, rainy weather, and lack of sunshine. To combat the emotional effects of these elements, it’s important to brighten up the inside of your home during the day. It might not be a perfect replacement for the sunshine, but it can elevate your mood as you endure the last few weeks of winter.
3. Consider A Smart Thermostat – Portland will start to see fewer cold and rainy days as we approach the spring and summer months. If you’re looking to save money as these temperatures rise and fall, then it might be worth it to invest in a smart thermostat. Adjust the temperature in your home, even when you’re away, to save on upcoming utility bills.
4. Ensure All Windows And Doors Aren’t Leaking Air – If your home is losing warm air faster than it should, a leak might be to blame. Air leaks under old doors or windows can cost you hundreds of dollars each year in unnecessary utility costs. Routinely checking for these leaks can ensure your home stays comfortable and your bills remain consistent.
5. Try To Get Outside When You Can – Even though the weather this time of year can be a drag, that doesn’t mean you should avoid going outside completely. A simple 20-minute walk can drastically improve your mood and allow you to enjoy the inside of your home even more. Make sure you also dress accordingly for current and future weather conditions.

Preparing For Portland’s Spring Weather

March 20th will be here before you know it. While this day symbolizes the first official day of Spring, you shouldn’t expect the weather to immediately shift to warmer and drier weather. Now is the perfect time to start planning for the sunny days ahead, slowly cleaning up your home from winter, and making sure you and your home are ready for the next two seasons.

1. Install a new air filter if it has been 3 to 6 months since you last changed them.
2. Dust and vacuum the inside of your home.
3. Assess the outside of your home for snow, water, and ice damage.
4. Inspect trees near your home that could cause damage during a storm or fire.

Schedule Maintenance With Roth

It’s the perfect time of year to get a head start on home maintenance. Make sure your home is ready for Portland’s best months of the year with an efficiently operating HVAC system. Roth Home & Cooling has been inspecting heating and cooling systems for over 45 years.

Let our professionals thoroughly inspect and clean your system in preparation for Spring 2023. Contact our customer service team to schedule your appointment now.

Having regular furnace maintenance service, which includes furnace cleaning and tune-up services, is pivotal in ensuring your home heating system remains reliable during the cold winter months.

You should have your furnace serviced yearly in the fall before winter begins, however, scheduling a tune-up during winter can help prevent breakdowns and costly repairs.

Schedule your furnace tune-up in Portland by contacting the experts at Roth Home, Cooling & Plumbing right away. We’ll keep your home warm and provide peace of mind that you won’t need furnace repairs anytime soon.

The Real Importance Of A Tune-Up

Furnace services in Portland are vital to your furnace keeping you comfortable in your home. The furnace is a mechanical system consisting of several components that need to be cleaned and adjusted so that they will heat your home properly and continue working efficiently.

Envision your furnace like you would your vehicle. Your vehicle needs regular oil changes in order for the engine to run smoothly. If you skip your oil changes enough, your engine will break down and you will be out a pretty penny in repair costs. The same will happen with your furnace if you regularly skip tune-ups.

We recommend having your home’s furnace serviced in the fall months before the winter season; if you’ve forgotten to schedule yours, call Roth ASAP.

What Is A Furnace Tune-Up?

On an annual furnace tune-up service call, our highly-trained HVAC technician will clean your HVAC system/furnace and adjust any parts and mechanisms inside your furnace to ensure it continues warming your home in an efficient manner. By making specific adjustments, your furnace will run smoothly and be the energy-efficient machine you expected it to be, saving you money on energy bills.

The technician will also perform an inspection of your furnace to find wear and tear concerns, and find possible issues before they escalate into repairs. Schedule your tune-up with Roth Home today.

A tune-up will help prepare your furnace and heating system for the cold months ahead and to help it operate safely and reliably. Having your annual inspection and furnace tune-up will increase the lifespan of your system.

Contact Roth For Professional Service

Your furnace helps keep you and your family comfortable during the winter. Let the highly-trained professionals at Roth Home help you stay comfortable in your home. Contact us by calling (503) 673-6394 or scheduling an appointment online.

If you became a new homeowner in the last year, then there’s a good chance you’re still trying to figure out how to maintain your appliances. One of the biggest learning curves for new homeowners is trying to remember how, when, and where they need to conduct maintenance on a heating and cooling system.

One of the most frequently asked questions we get from new homeowners is “Where is the furnace filter located?” Rest assured, the professionals with Roth Home will be more than happy to walk you through how to replace your filter this winter as well as where your filter is located.

If you’re looking for a faster solution outside of a furnace maintenance appointment, then we encourage you to follow the steps listed below.

Steps To Replace The Furnace Filter

1. 1. Plan ahead so your furnace stays off for as little as possible. You’ll need to gather your new furnace filter before getting started so your home doesn’t get cold. If you’re experiencing moderate to severe winter weather conditions with snow, ice, and cold temperatures, then it’s better to conduct this task once conditions slightly improve. Should you make a mistake during this process, your home won’t be left in the cold for hours as you try to complete this task.
   2. Search for the blower compartment between your home’s furnace and the ventilation system leading away from it. The filter is inside this compartment and is set either horizontally or vertically depending on the positioning of your vent system and the furnace.

1. Turn off your furnace before opening the blower compartment. Once your furnace is off, undo the latch or cover of this compartment and carefully slide the old furnace filter out.
2. After you’ve set the old filter aside, inspect the new one to look for any furnace filter directions. Find the arrow on the filter pointing to the side that should be facing up. Once you’ve got the arrow pointing upwards or toward your ventilation system, you will either slide the filter vertically or horizontally into the furnace.
3. Shut the compartment door or cover once the new filter is in place and turn your furnace back on.

Why is it important to routinely change your filters?

These filters are designed to protect your HVAC system from dust, debris, and other particles that could damage the inside. Air filters do an excellent job of keeping your home’s air ducts and overall air flow, free and clear of these particles that could affect your health.

Replacing your existing filter every few months also extends the lifespan of your HVAC unit. Over time, this will keep your energy bills down and help you avoid nuisance air conditioner or furnace repairs since your system won’t be forced to work as hard.

If you’re looking to do less home maintenance, then you should consider investing in a thicker, higher-quality filter that can last between six months and a full calendar year.

Schedule Your Cleaning and Maintenance With Roth

If you’re not sure what type of furnace filter to purchase or where to even begin with home maintenance, our experts with Roth will be more than happy to show you. For over 40 years we’ve been in homes from Portland to Albany for furnace maintenance.

Not only will we thoroughly check and clean your system, but we will gladly walk you through every step of our process before we leave.

To schedule your maintenance appointment, call our office or book online.

How Long Does A Furnace Last?

Your furnace and heating system can last a very long time but can’t last forever. A furnace with regular maintenance life expectancy is 10 to 15 years. But that doesn’t mean it won’t show signs of aging before reaching that timeframe.

Many homeowners wait too long to repair or replace their existing heat pump, furnace, or heating system. Furnace replacement in your home can be the difference between an easy transition to a new energy-efficient heating and cooling system and a devastating, late-night breakdown of your heating system.

If you’re interested in changing your heating system, contact the professional HVAC technicians at Roth Home & Cooling.

Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Heating System

Homeowners in Portland and the surrounding areas all struggle with the decision to replace their air conditioning and heating systems. Even with regular professional maintenance and small furnace repairs, it can still be a great idea to switch out your old system for a new, highly efficient HVAC system.

Here are some signs to watch for when deciding if it’s time to change to a newer heating system:

• Your system is 10+ years old
• Frequent repairs
• Blowing cold air
• Hot and cold spots in your home
• Weak airflow
• Loud noises
• Odd smells
• High energy bills
• Frequent or short cycling

If you are experiencing one or more of the above problems, contact Roth Home & Cooling immediately for a consultation. We’ll assess the situation, diagnose the problem, and provide the most efficient solution for your home.

Cure For The Common Cold

Are you and additional family members regularly sick with the common cold more often than usual? While cold and flu season can bring about runny noses and coughing, if you notice that the illness stays in your home for a long time, it could be your heating system.

Dry air in your home can become more prominent due to your heating system, helping cause you and your family to become sick more often. Illnesses can also spread more quickly without proper distribution of heat in your home.

If this is the case this season (or any season), contact the pros at Roth to help keep you and your family safe and healthy.

Make An Appointment With Roth Home & Cooling

If your home is experiencing any of these indicators, you may want to consider replacing your heating system. Don’t wait for repair bills to pile up; get ahead of the problem. Schedule a free consultation with Roth Home & Cooling to evaluate your current system. Whether minor repairs or a full replacement are necessary, our honest, upfront technicians will work with you on the best solution for your home.

Protecting Your Air Conditioner

Many of us rely on window air conditioners to cool our homes in the summertime, especially those of us who live in apartment buildings and condominiums. Window units are convenient for many reasons, and great for cooling small spaces, garages, and three season rooms. They are also easy to install, and work well as additional cooling measures for areas that may not feel comfortable with forced air alone.

As the temperatures start to drop, if you have a window air conditioning unit, you may be asking yourself, “Can I leave my AC in the window during winter?” The short answer is yes, but to properly care for your unit, a little protection is in order.

How to Cover Your AC Unit in the Winter

It is important to cover your window air conditioning unit, or remove it from the window, when winter rolls around. This is because while AC units are built to withstand the elements, they should be protected against things like snow and ice when they are not in use. This helps preserve a unit’s lifespan, and ensures it will be in perfect working order come summertime.

Covering your AC unit is easy as long as you follow a few simple steps.

• Do NOT use plastic or a plastic covering to protect your window unit. Plastic does not allow moisture to evaporate, and can therefore lead to rust, mold, mildew, and water damage.
• DO use a cover made of breathable material to cover your air conditioner in the winter. This will protect it from the weather without trapping moisture inside.
• If possible, cover the unit with an awning that hangs above. If this is not feasible, still use a weighted board to keep snow and ice from gathering on top of the unit.
• Taking into account the necessary clearance for proper airflow when the unit is in use, utilize shrubbery or other kinds of partitions to shield the sides of the unit from wind and snow.
• Finally, consider designing your own AC shelter. There are a number of inventive ways to create a custom design that protects your unit from all angles, while still complimenting your taste and property.

Covering your air conditioning unit during the winter helps protect it from various weather related hazards, including:

• Leaves/Debris
• Snow and Snow Accumulation
• Icicles/Falling Ice
• Water from Melted Snow/Trees/Gutters/Rain (in the winter, water that gets in the unit can later freeze and damage the internal components)

What if My AC Unit Gets Damaged?

If your window unit is damaged during the winter, or it simply stops working due to age, you might be wondering, “Is it cheaper to replace my AC in winter?” The answer is, not necessarily. In most cases, the best time to invest in a new air conditioner is just before you are going to use it. This eliminates the need to find space to store the unit, or the arduous task of trying to install it in the middle of winter.

Some Don’t Like It Hot

If you prefer colder temps to overwhelming summer heat, you may be asking, “Can I run my AC in the winter?” The truth is, there is a small chance you can run your AC unit during the winter without issue, just in case it gets a bit balmy out in the middle of February- However, it is not recommended. This is because, depending on your model, running your air conditioner when it’s cold out could damage the unit and leave you without AC when temperatures rise again.

AC Installation and Other Cooling Services

If you are tired of covering your window unit every winter, fighting the chill from the open window, or taking it out and storing it to protect it from the elements, it may be time to consider investing in a central air conditioning system, or a ductless split system. Not only are these models more energy efficient, they can also save you a lot of hassle and time in the long run.

If you are interested in an upgrade, our team of experienced HVAC contractors at Roth Home is here to help. You can count on us when you need professional AC services from a trusted HVAC company in Bend or the surrounding Central Oregon areas.

From AC installations and repairs, to choosing the best replacement for the heating or cooling system in your home, our trained technicians are available to offer you expert assistance and superior customer service.

Call us today at (541) 802-4084 to schedule a service appointment!

When the power goes out, you can almost hear the entire neighborhood cry “I wish we had a generator!” It’s no secret that whole home generators have a ton of benefits, but with the substantial investment needed up front, you might find yourself wondering if it is worth it. Here are a few perks to consider when thinking about investing in a generator for your home.

Advantages To Owning A Whole Home Generator

A variety of severe weather and natural disasters occur each year in Oregon. Generators are quality investments that will protect your home and all of the electrical appliances within it. While the price tag can be quite hefty, you might find that the benefits might just outweigh that initial expense.

• Maintain Safety Levels

You never realize just how much you depend on power to keep your family and home safe until it goes out. Loss of light increases the chances of tripping or falling when moving throughout your home. Security systems need power to keep your family and home safe from potential threats.

Your heating and cooling system rely on power to keep your home comfortable during months with extreme temperatures which can be detrimental to families with pets, young children, and the elderly. Investing in a whole home generator can eliminate these problems before they even become one.

• Provides Automatic Power

Whole home generators kick on as soon as your power goes out so you can rest assured that all of your electrical appliances, including your refrigerator, security system, and HVAC system, will continue working even if you aren’t home.

• Provides Unlimited Power

Although uncommon, there is always the chance that a blackout could last days or even several weeks in severe situations. Whole home generators draw power from your local utility grid so unlike portable generators that can run out of fuel and need to be refilled, you won’t have to worry about running out of power.

• Prevents Additional Problems

The loss of power can lead to many additional problems such as pipes bursting in the winter due to lack of heat, food spoiling in your fridge, and sometimes the added cost of a night or two at a hotel plus meals if the power is off for several days.

• Allows Modern Homes To Use Plumbing

A lot of modern homes rely on electric pumps to move water throughout your house. If the electricity is out, the pumps cannot transfer water to your sinks, showers, and toilets. Even if the plumbing system in your home continues to work without electricity, you won’t have hot water since most hot water tanks are electric based.

• Maintain Comfort

From keeping your home at a comfortable temperature, to being able to move from room to room without a candle or flashlight, the comfort of our daily lives depends on electricity. Having a whole home generator installed can help reduce stressful disruptions in your schedule such as having to order expensive take out because you can’t cook, bored or restless children who can’t play their game systems or watch their favorite tv shows, or turning your house upside down desperately trying to find the emergency candles and matches.

• Peace Of Mind

Investing in a whole home generator ultimately provides peace of mind to you and your family. There are so many stressful situations that you won’t have to worry about when you have a generator backing up your home.

Roth’s Whole Home Generator Installations – Portland

If you own a home in Portland or the surrounding areas and are considering having a whole home generator installed, give us a call. Roth Home has been helping homeowners choose the best generators to meet their needs for over 45 years.

Not only can our skilled technicians install the most trusted, industry-leading brands of Portland, Oregon generators, but we can also repair them in no time if you ever have any issues. Give Roth a call to schedule an appointment with one of our whole home generator experts today.