It has happened to us all. You and your family are enjoying a nice afternoon inside while the sun blasts its full 99 degrees just outside your window. Then it happens: your air conditioner just stops working.
Here are some tips to help you stay cool while you wait for an HVAC technician to save the day.
Turn On Fans
Fans are a quick and fairly inexpensive way to help you feel cooler. While they can’t make the actual air colder, fans do help evaporate sweat from your skin making you feel cooler, plus they provide a nice breeze.
If you have ceiling fans, make sure the fan blades are set to spin counterclockwise. This will push the air down and create a direct, cooling downdraft.
Another way to get the most out of your fans is to use ice. Place a large amount of ice in front of the fan to blast some refreshing cool air into the room. Make sure the ice sticks out above the container you put it in so that it catches the air current.
Shut Windows & Doors
Shut windows and doors to prevent heat from creeping into your home. Having black-out curtains, blinds, or shades can also help reduce the heat.
Stay Hydrated
It’s important to consume cool water to keep your body hydrated. Dehydration can lead to heat related illnesses even faster.
Take A Cool Shower or Bath
Lower your body temperature indoors by taking a shower or bath with cold water. Not only will this help make the wait for a repairman even easier, but it will help you stay safe as temperatures increase in your home.
Avoid Using Heat Producing Appliances
Ovens and stoves generate unwanted heat that will make your home even hotter. However, crockpots, InstaPots, and microwaves won’t add to the misery.
Dishwashers and dryers also produce extra heat and are best to avoid if at all possible.
Need An Urgent Air Conditioner Repair in Hillsboro? Call Roth
Extreme heat can become a health issue fairly quickly. Older adults, young children, and people with certain medical conditions can suffer from heat-related illnesses in a matter of minutes.
You can contact the experts at Roth Home, Plumbing, Electrical and Drain for help with your broken air conditioner. Because your safety and comfort is our number one concern, we offer efficient cooling repair services in Hillsboro and across Portland’s suburbs.
We want your home to be cool and comfortable again. Contact us today to set up your repair service.
Hot water is an essential part of our daily lives. We need it to cook, stay clean, and hydrate. That’s why it’s important to protect and maintain your home’s water heater.
As a homeowner, you need to make sure this essential system is operating properly and efficiently throughout the year. While our plumbing experts can conduct routine maintenance on your system, there are a few key parts of your water heater that you should also be able to inspect.
Our experts at Roth Home, Plumbing, Electrical and Drain Services have gathered a few key safety tips that you should always remember when you inspect your water heater:
- Check the Temperature/Pressure Relief Valve - If the pressure or temperature of your water heater exceeds its safety limits, this valve will keep your system from exploding. Inspect and test this valve at least once per year to make sure water flows easily when the valve is open.
- Inspect The Ventilation And Placement Of Your Water Heater - New homeowners should make sure their water heater is secure, located on a flat and stable surface, and has proper ventilation outside of your home. If you notice any changes to the placement of your water heater or ventilation around it, then you need to contact a plumbing professional immediately.
- Check The Carbon Monoxide Detector Near Your Water Heater - Carbon monoxide fumes are odorless, tasteless and dangerous. The only way to know whether your water heater is releasing this fumes is through an operational carbon monoxide detector. Keep your home and family safe by checking this detector at least once per month if it is not battery operated. Battery operated detectors should be checked once every six months.
- Remove Objects That Can Cause A Fire Hazard - Similar to overcrowding your HVAC system, it’s also possible to overcrowd your home’s water heater. While it can be tempting to take advantage of storage space nearby, doing so can also cause a fire hazard if the water heater malfunctions or lacks proper ventilation. Place all combustible objects at least three feet away from your water heater.
- Temperatures Should Stay Between 120 and 140 Degrees Fahrenheit – Avoid the development of harmful bacteria in your home’s water supply by keeping temperatures higher.
While most residential heaters don’t have a gauge to tell you the exact temperature, you can run your home’s hot water tap for three minutes, fill a glass with it and check the water with a meat thermometer. If the temperature is below 120 degrees, then you should adjust the system’s temperature dial, wait three hours, test again and then call a plumber if nothing changes.
Water Heater Repairs In Hillsboro, Oregon
At Roth Home, Plumbing, Electrical and Drain services, our plumbing experts will make sure your water heater is working properly and safely before we leave your home. With over 40 years of plumbing experience in communities throughout the Portland Metro area, there is no problem too great or too small for us to fix.
If we cannot fix your water heater, then we can offer your options to replace your current system. We offer several types of water heaters that can fit your home and budget.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Water Heater?
In addition to being a costly investment, we understand that replacing your water heater is also time consuming. Roth’s plumbers prioritize your time, safety and comfort from the moment we set up your appointment to the time we leave. In total, it should take our licensed plumbers approximately 4-6 hours to disconnect your old water heater and install the new one in your home.
For more information on our repair and replacement services, please give us a call at (503) 673-6394.
Excess rainfall and flooding are common throughout the Portland metro area. On average the city and surrounding communities receive between 36 and 43 inches each year, and with rising temperatures, that number is expected to rise even more.
Sump pumps are a great solution for homeowners throughout the Portland Metro area. This device is installed in the basement or crawl space beneath your home to protect it from oversaturated soil, flooding, and damage to your foundation.
Your sump pump only operates when it is needed during periods of heavy rainfall, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Routinely checking on this device can help you avoid a flooding disaster in the future.
Not sure what to look for when your sump pump needs to be repaired? Our experts can help you. Our experts at Roth Home have been conducting sump pump repairs in Portland for nearly 40 years. We’ve gathered a short list below of the five most common signs that you need to repair or replace your home’s sump pump:
- It’s More Than 7 Years Old - While most manufacturing guides don’t provide an exact expiration date for your sump pump, they typically last about 7 years. This number can increase or decrease depending on where you live and how often your sump pump needs to operate.
- The Sump Pump Runs Too Long Or Is Constantly Running - This device should only run when a floating switch inside it becomes triggered by excess groundwater. When that excess groundwater falls below a certain level, your sump pump should automatically turn off. If it does not turn off automatically, then it’s time to call a drain expert.
- It Turns On At The Wrong Time Or Never Turns On At All – Your sump pump should only turn on during periods of heavy rainfall and when weather conditions could cause flooding. If it’s operating during dry weather, then your device needs to be repaired.
- Rust, Battery Corrosion, Or Allergens Are Visible Around The Pump – Batteries wear down over time, especially when they support a device that filters water. It’s important to regularly inspect your sump pump for these signs of wear and tear. Not only can it possibly prolong the lifespan of your sump pump, but also save you from a future flooding disaster.
- Loud Noises Or Strong Odors Emerge From The Pump - These could be a sign that your sump pump’s motor is burning out or that there are damaged parts within the device. You should call a plumbing expert immediately for help.
Reliable and Efficient Drain Cleaning in Portland
If you need an efficient and reliable drain technician to repair or replace your home’s sump pump, then look no further for help. Roth Home has a team of drain experts ready to tackle all of your drain system problems. For the last 40 years, we’ve tackled numerous plumbing problems that deal with your home’s kitchen sink, bathrooms, sewer lines, drain lines, clogged drains, basement, crawl space, and more.
Regardless of the type of plumbing or drain cleaning service you need from us, our drain team will make sure your home returns to a clean, dry and comfortable state.
To schedule your drain service appointment with us, you can book with us online or call (503) 673-6394.
Basement flooding has always been a problem in homes. It’s even more of an issue these days since many homeowners have converted their basements into living spaces, home offices, and dens.
Any moisture that makes it into your basement can quickly cause water damage, which can be expensive and time-consuming to repair. It also poses a health hazard— a chronically wet basement becomes ground zero for mold growth that can affect the entire home.
We’ve put together this guide with the top 4 precautions you should take this spring to keep your basement dry and protect your home.
- Grade The Landscape
The contour of the landscape surrounding the perimeter of the home should slope away from the house. During rainy periods, this prevents water from pooling and soaking into the ground around the foundation, eventually entering the basement through minute cracks and crevices.
- Clean Your Gutters
Overflowing gutters hammer the ground directly below with cascading water during heavy rain or rapid snowmelt. This deluge can penetrate the foundation and infiltrate your basement. Check your gutters for obstructions and clean them when necessary. You should also make sure gutter downspouts extend far enough away from your house so discharged water doesn’t soak into the foundation and basement.
- Install a Sump Pump
A sump pump installed on the basement floor will automatically pump infiltrating groundwater through a discharge line into the backyard. A foundation drainage system in the ground around the perimeter of the foundation will also channel groundwater away from the house.
- Install a Sewage Backflow Valve
Sewage backup can result from an obstructed sewer line or a flooded municipal system. Toxic sewage reflux entering your home first emerges through drains in the lowest point of your house —the basement. A backflow protection valve installed by a qualified plumber prevents this from happening.
Schedule Plumbing Service in Canby
For professional advice to prevent basement flooding, contact Roth Home. We’re the best choice for plumbing in Canby and the surrounding communities.
Call us today at (503) 673-6394 to schedule plumbing service.
Choosing a new HVAC system is a big commitment. While you want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck, you also want a system that is energy-efficient, easy to use, and reliable.
How do you decide what type of air conditioning system to buy? We’ve put together this guide to help you weigh the pros and cons of ductless air conditioners, so you can make a decision you feel confident in.
Pros and Cons of Mini Split ACs
Below, you’ll find both the pros and cons of ductless HVAC systems.
Benefits of Mini-Split ACs
1. Flexible Cooling
Traditional AC systems force cooled air through your air ducts, while a ductless system brings air directly into the different zones (or rooms) in your home.
2. Increased Savings
A ductless system is the most cost-effective way to replace outdated units for homeowners. This cooling system uses less power than a forced-air system, so aside from the savings at the end of the month, you may also be eligible for a tax credit or utility rebate the year of your installation.
3. Better Indoor Air Quality
Ductless air conditioning units have a multi-stage filtration system that dramatically reduces the amount of dust, pollen, dirt, and bacteria in the air.
4. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Ductless systems follow Energy Star guidelines and SEER ratings, which means they offer much greater energy efficiency than central air systems. This will not only help your bills each month, but also the planet.
Disadvantages of Mini-Split Systems
- Initial Cost
On average, mini-split systems cost a bit more to install than traditional HVAC systems. This means that you will have to pay more upfront for this type of unit.
- Visible Appearance
Although ductless units are fairly sleek and modern-looking, they will be clearly visible in each room they’re installed in. If you prefer your HVAC equipment to be totally hidden, a mini-split system may not be the right choice for you.
Final Thoughts
All in all, ductless mini-split systems are a flexible cooling option that can increase your air quality and comfort while decreasing your carbon footprint. Although the initial cost is slightly more expensive, these units are highly energy-efficient, meaning they’ll create significant energy savings in the long run.
Costs and benefits aside, you’ll find that many HVAC technicians recommend these systems and even have them installed in their own homes. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal goals for your home and what you’re willing to spend upfront.
Schedule AC Installation Near Bend, OR
If you’d like to learn more about the costs and benefits of ductless split systems, reach out to the heating and cooling experts at Roth Home. We’re the best choice for ductless split systems in Bend, OR and the surrounding Central Oregon areas.
With Spring just around the corner, you may be wondering how to avoid another miserable season of sneezing and sniffling. While staying indoors may give you some relief, your living space can start to circulate mold, dust, and pollen, making your allergies worse.
To help you reduce your symptoms, our HVAC experts have put together this guide to dealing with allergies inside your home
Should I Blame My HVAC for Allergies?
You may assume that your heating and cooling system protects you from allergens, but your system may actually be the culprit causing your symptoms. Understanding what causes your allergies is the first step in helping you determine which type of HVAC system will be best for you.
Dirty Air Filter
Changing your air filter is the fastest, most effective way to improve the air quality in your home and reduce allergies. Most HVAC professionals recommend you change your air filter at least every 3 months.
Dirty HVAC System
If you haven’t had HVAC maintenance in a while, your system has likely built up a solid layer of dust, debris, pet dander, and possibly even mold. Getting your unit and ducts cleaned professionally is a good way to keep your air clean and relieve your allergy symptoms.
Too Much Humidity
Most modern air conditioners come equipped with a dehumidifier, which prevents germs and mold from taking root in your home. If you don’t have a dehumidifier, or your system is on the older side, humidity levels may be building up in your home and making your allergies worse.
Best Central Air Conditioners For Allergies
If you’re wondering what type of HVAC unit will be best for allergies, the truth is that air filters and cleanliness are much more influential than any specific AC brand or model.
While there is no single solution to combat indoor allergens, there are a number of modifications you can make to your AC system to reduce your symptoms.
High-Quality Air Filters
There are 2 types of air conditioner air filters on the market—washable and disposable. Washable filters should be cleaned at least every month to keep the air in your home clean. Disposable filters usually come with a filtration rating of 1-20. The higher the rating on your filter, the more effective it will be at filtering the air inside your home.
Air Purifiers
If air filters are not enough to reduce your allergy symptoms, air purifiers are a great option. Air purifiers use high-grade HEPA air filters to clean the air inside your home, in turn reducing your allergy and asthma symptoms.
Talk to an HVAC Expert in Oregon City
If you’re looking for professional HVAC solutions to improve your indoor air quality, trust the experts at Roth Home. Our team has been providing the Oregon City area with heating and air conditioning solutions for over 40 years. We’re the most trusted AC service in Oregon City, and we’re here to keep you comfortable!
Call us today at (503) 673-6394 to learn more about our allergy-friendly HVAC services.
We’ve all been there—you’re enjoying a toasty day indoors when you start to notice a bad smell coming from your heating system.
An unpleasant odor coming from your furnace is one of the most common signs that your heating system needs repairs. While certain smells may be normal during the first heat cycle of the season, other smells can indicate something is very wrong.
Read through this guide to understand the 6 types of furnace smells and what they mean for your heating system.
1.Burning Plastic
If you smell burning plastic, it’s probably because there’s something inside your heating unit that shouldn’t be there, like a plastic bottle cap, a toy, or some other object. Whatever the cause, if you smell burning plastic, turn off your furnace right away and call a trusted HVAC company for help, before the problem gets worse.
2.Rotten Eggs
The smell of rotten eggs is unmistakable, and for good reason. If you’re smelling rotten eggs in your home, you most likely have a natural gas leak. Gas leaks are extremely dangerous and carry the risk of fire or even explosion. As soon as you notice the smell, turn off your furnace, leave the house, and call your gas company for assistance.
3.Dusty Burning Smell
In most cases, it’s completely normal if your furnace smells like burning, especially if you’ve just turned on your heat for the winter. Dust settles into your heating system during the off-season. When you fire up your furnace for the first time, all that dust heats up and emits a slight burning smell.
If the burning smell doesn’t go away within a few hours, there may be something else wrong with your heater, or you may need to change your air filter. Either way, a professional HVAC technician will be able to inspect your system and give you a solid answer.
4.Metallic Smell
A metallic smell coming from your furnace might mean that certain inner components, made from rubber or metal, are getting too hot and beginning to melt. In some cases, the wires inside your heating system may even be melting. If you notice this kind of smell, turn off your furnace immediately to prevent further damage to your system. Once you do so, call an HVAC company for repairs.
5.Burning Oil or Smoke
If you have an oil furnace, you’re probably familiar with this scent. Luckily, this type of odor is very easy to fix—you just need to change your oil filter. If the smell doesn’t go away after changing your filter, contact an HVAC specialist for assistance.
6.Gunpowder
The smell of gunpowder is a specific scent that may indicate your system is overheating. When the circuit board inside your furnace gets too hot, it shuts itself off, creating a unique, metallic scent, similar to the smell of gunpowder. If this happens, shut your furnace off and call for repairs.
Schedule Furnace Repairs in Portland
If your furnace smells funny, trust the HVAC professionals at Roth Home to make things right. We’ll expertly diagnose the problem and repair your furnace, so you can return to enjoying the comfort of your home as quickly as possible.
We’re the top choice for furnace repair in Portland, Salem, Hillsboro, Aurora, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (503) 673-6394 to schedule service.
The pilot light on your furnace is one of the most important aspects of your heating system. If the flame goes out, your furnace will be unable to create the warmth needed to heat your home. Luckily, most homeowners are capable of relighting it on their own. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to safely relight your furnace’s pilot light.
Warning! If you smell gas or suspect you have a gas leak, turn off the furnace and leave your home as soon as possible. It is dangerous to relight your pilot light when there is natural gas in the air.
How to Light a Furnace Pilot Light – 5 Easy Steps
Your furnace’s instruction manual will give you the most accurate information about your specific furnace model. However, it’s still possible to relight your pilot without one. Just follow these 5 easy steps.
1. Turn the Gas Off
Turn the gas control knob on your furnace to “OFF.” This will stop the flow of gas into the unit. The knob is located on the inside of your furnace at the end of the gas pipe. You’ll see “On,” “Off,” and “Pilot” displayed on the knob. Make sure you turn it to “OFF”
2. Wait 5 Minutes
Wait at least 5 minutes to allow any remaining gas in the air to dissipate. If you notice a gas smell after a few minutes, or you suspect a gas leak, turn the gas off and call a professional for assistance.
3. Turn the Gas Back On
Turn the knob from “OFF” to “PILOT”
4. Relight the Pilot
Hold down the reset button and relight the pilot at the same time. To safely do this, you’ll need to use a long-stemmed lighter and hold the end of it very close to the pilot. Once the flame catches, release the reset button.
5. Watch for Problems
Watch the pilot light on your furnace for a few minutes to ensure it stays lit. It’s possible that the gas pilot light went out originally because your furnace has an issue that needs to be repaired. If the pilot goes out again, turn off your furnace and call a trusted HVAC company for assistance.
Get Help From an Experienced Furnace Specialist
When it comes to furnace issues, you can’t beat having an experienced HVAC technician by your side. At Roth Home, our technicians are NATE-certified, friendly, and willing to go above and beyond to bring you peace of mind.
So instead of stressing about furnace problems, why not call our expert team for help? There’s no problem too big or too small for our heating specialists, and we work hard to provide convenient appointment times and same-day scheduling whenever possible.
We’re proud to be the trusted choice for furnace repair in Portland, OR and the surrounding Central Oregon areas.
Call us today to speak to our furnace specialists!
Schedule Online(503) 673-6394
A furnace is a complicated piece of equipment that’s a hugely important aspect of most homes. If your furnace breaks, you may notice strange noises and smells, or you may even lose heat entirely. We’ve put together this blog to outline the most common signs of a broken furnace.
How Can You Tell if Your Furnace is Broken?
1.The Temperature of Your Home Fluctuates
If you notice that some areas of your home are colder than others, you may have a problem with your heating system. It’s possible that your furnace isn’t producing enough heat to warm your entire house. Alternatively, your vent system may be failing to circulate the air throughout your house.
2.You Notice Unusual Odors
If you notice a musty smell coming from your vents, you may need some heating maintenance to address the issue. Luckily, this issue is often resolved by replacing the air filters.
3.You Hear Strange Noises
If your furnace is making squeaking or popping noises, it can indicate a part has come loose within your system that needs to be replaced.
4.The Pilot Light is Out
If you have a gas furnace, the pilot light must stay lit to continue working properly. While an extinguished pilot light can be easily relit, if it doesn’t stay lit, you may have a more serious issue that needs to be addressed.
5.Your Energy Bill is Skyrocketing
If your heating bill has gone up recently, this may mean that your furnace is on its last leg. A faulty heating system can’t work as efficiently, which will lead to increased energy consumption.
6.The Blower is Running Continuously
A furnace’s job is to keep your home at a consistent temperature. If some part of your furnace is broken, the blower may be working overtime to heat your home.
7.You Keep Having to Call For Repairs
If you’re frequently calling for heating repairs, it may mean your furnace is on its way out. At this point, it is usually more cost-effective to invest in a new furnace. Most reputable HVAC companies provide financing options to make buying a new heating system more convenient and manageable.
What Happens if Your Furnace Goes Out?
When your furnace goes out, it’s important to call a trusted HVAC company to get it repaired as soon as possible. After all, the comfort and safety of your family depend on it. At Roth, we are here to keep you comfortable!
Furnace Repair in Portland, OR
If you’re dealing with a broken heater, you can trust the experts at Roth Home for repairs and new installations. Our technicians are fully-licensed and NATE-certified, and we’re the top choice for furnace repair in Portland. Call us today at (503) 673-6394 to schedule an appointment.
