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Ductless mini-splits have been enjoying slow growth in popularity in this country, as more homeowners discover the benefits of using these systems to heat or cool. Here’s a brief explanation as to how they work, and what the best uses of mini-split systems might be.

How Mini-Splits Work

Ductless mini-splits are, as the name implies, a mode of heating and cooling that doesn’t use ducts. They are in fact a type of heat pump, with an outdoor condenser and an indoor air handler. The parts are connected by a conduit that contains the refrigerant and electrical line. Refrigerant is pumped into the home where it absorbs heat, and then is pumped out again and exhausted to cool the home. The process is reversed to heat the home.

Heat pumps are generally not recommended for extreme climates, particularly places where winter temperatures fall consistently below 32 degrees F. Often an auxiliary form of heating is needed during freezing weather — such as a gas furnace or heating strips, the latter of which can be expensive to run.

When to Use a Mini-Split System

Homeowners typically install mini-splits to heat or cool a part of the home that is too cold or too hot. Or, they might be used in an add-on, or when a garage, attic or basement space is finished out. Such spaces may represent challenges when it comes to running existing ductwork to them: it may be too expensive or too complicated.

Ductless mini-splits offer clean technology, without combustion, since they run on electricity. They are also considered efficient, quieter and less intrusive when they turn on than a central HVAC system.

They are also versatile as far as mounting options. The air handlers may be mounted on the ceiling, wall or floor, or be left freestanding. Since the air handlers are compact, they can be placed in a location where they are out of the way.

The main drawback of mini-splits is they are considered somewhat expensive, in terms of purchase and installation.

To learn more about mini-split systems, contact Roth Home of Portland.

The increasingly high cost of heating a home makes it vital to look for ways to improve HVAC system efficiency. Thanks to recent advancements in technology, there are smart heating systems available that can fine-tune your energy usage, reduce your HVAC operating costs and give you a more comfortable home environment.

Smart Heating System Basics

Smart systems combine the latest and best in intelligent controls with the most technologically-advanced equipment offerings. The result is a heating system that’s ultra reliable, efficient, intuitive and responsive. Some of the key components used in today’s smart systems that can give you unparalleled control and convenience include:

Smart Heating Capabilities and Benefits

A learning thermostat like the NEST PRO is the central component in a smart heating system, and it gives you the ability to access, program and make heating adjustments from anywhere via an easy-to-use app. These adaptive, intelligent thermostats have capabilities that go well beyond basic remote accessibility, however, and can also:

To learn more about smart heating options for your Sherwood OR area home, contact us today at Roth Home & Cooling.

PEX plumbing has become one of the most popular choices for homeowners in Portland and Central Oregon. It’s flexible, cost-effective, and durable. This makes it a smart alternative to older piping materials like copper or galvanized steel. Whether you're updating a mid-century home in the city or building something new on the edge of town, understanding how PEX works can help you make a better decision for your plumbing system. 

Roth has been serving the Portland metro area since 1976. With decades of experience and a trusted local reputation, our team helps homeowners upgrade with confidence. Here are 10 important things we think you should know about PEX plumbing. 

What is PEX Plumbing?

PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. It's a strong, flexible plastic pipe used in hot and cold-water systems. It’s easy to install, long-lasting, and widely approved for residential use. 

Let’s walk through 10 reasons why more plumbers and homeowners are turning to PEX. 

Fact 1: Cost-Effective Installation 

PEX is usually more cost-effective than copper, both in material cost and labor. Because it’s flexible, plumbers can install it faster and with fewer fittings. This saves time and reduces the amount of cutting or drilling needed. 

In Portland’s diverse housing stock, especially older homes with tight framing, those labor savings can really add up. 

Fact 2: Resistance to Corrosion 

Unlike metal pipes, PEX won’t rust or corrode over time. That’s especially helpful in Oregon’s damp climate, where moisture can speed up deterioration in traditional plumbing systems. 

Fewer corrosion issues also mean better water quality and fewer repairs down the road. 

Fact 3: Flexibility and Fewer Fittings 

One of PEX’s biggest advantages is how flexible it is. It can bend around corners and weave through joists, reducing the need for elbows and joints. 

Fewer fittings not only speed up installation. They also mean fewer potential leak points, which leads to a more reliable system overall. 

Fact 4: Freeze Resistance (To a Point) 

PEX can expand slightly when water freezes, so it’s more resistant to burst pipes than copper or PVC. That’s a major plus in Oregon, where cold snaps can still catch homes off guard. 

But don’t be fooled. PEX isn’t freeze-proof. If pipes are exposed or uninsulated, they can still be damaged in winter. Proper insulation remains just as important. 

Fact 5: Improved Water Flow 

The inside of PEX pipe is smooth, which helps water move more efficiently. There’s less friction than in some metal pipes, so you get better flow and more consistent pressure. 

That can make a noticeable difference in larger homes or multi-story layouts where older systems sometimes struggle to keep up. 

Fact 6: Color-Coding for Easy Identification 

PEX is color coded. Red is used for hot, blue for cold, and sometimes white or gray for general use. This might seem like a small detail, but it makes maintenance and repairs much easier. 

It’s also helpful for homeowners who want a basic understanding of their plumbing layout without digging through guesswork. 

Fact 7: Different Types of PEX (A, B, and C) 

There are three main types of PEX, and each has its own characteristics. 

The best type depends on your home, climate, and the installer’s experience with each.   

Fact 8: Not Susceptible to Electrolysis 

PEX doesn’t conduct electricity, so it avoids the issue of electrolysis. That’s what happens when electrical current moves between dissimilar metals in a plumbing system, leading to corrosion. 

In homes with a mix of old and new materials or uncertain grounding, PEX avoids that risk entirely. 

Fact 9: Environmentally Friendly 

PEX takes less energy to produce than copper, and there’s very little waste during installation. It’s also recyclable in many cases, making it a more sustainable option for homeowners who care about their home’s environmental impact. 

Choosing PEX is one way to update your plumbing and feel better about what’s behind your walls. 

Fact 10: Proper Installation Matters 

PEX is a great product, but like anything in plumbing, how it's installed makes all the difference. Poor fittings, tight bends, or improper securing can lead to long-term issues if not done right. 

That’s why Roth takes every job seriously. Our licensed plumbers have years of experience installing PEX systems that last. Whether it’s a full repipe or just part of a bathroom remodel, we know the local codes, the climate, and what it takes to build a system that performs well for years to come.

Ready to Install PEX in Your Home? 

PEX has become a top choice for a reason. It’s efficient, and well-suited for homes across the Portland and Central Oregon areas. Whether you’re replacing old galvanized lines or planning plumbing for a new addition, PEX can give you the flexibility and performance you’re looking for. 

Roth stands out thanks to decades of experience, deep local knowledge, and a team of certified technicians who take pride in doing the job right. Our white glove approach means we treat your home like it’s our own. From the first estimate to the final inspection, we’re here to make sure your system is built to last. 

If you’re ready to explore whether PEX is right for your home, schedule a service with us today.

As the colder months of the year take hold, it gets more difficult to keep your home warm. There are often rooms that stay cold no matter how long you run your primary heating equipment. Today, we’re going to show you some ways that you can heat cold rooms by improving your system’s efficiency and airflow, along with a few alternative heating solutions.

Contact a Technician

Before the winter season begins each year, it’s important to schedule an annual check-up by a certified technician. This will ensure the best efficiency possible.

Replace the Air Filter

As dirt and debris make their way through your home’s heating system, the air filter that keeps it from being recirculated back into your home quickly gets clogged up. Check the filter each month and once it gets dirty, put it in a new one.

Check the Registers

If air isn’t allowed to flow freely through your registers, it’ll be more difficult to heat cold rooms around your home. Check the registers to make sure they’re open and unblocked.

Use Duct-Booster Fans

If your home is heated via forced-air, attaching duct-booster fans to the registers will allow you to increase the airflow. This will heat your home faster and more efficiently.

Install Solar Panels

The use of solar energy is a great way to lower energy usage and cut your monthly bills. The initial cost may scare you a bit, but the application of renewable energy that will last for at least a couple of decades is well worth the cost.

Install Radiant Floor Heating

Rather than rely on heated air from above, turn your attention to heated floors below. This type of heating is easy to install and can be used on various types of flooring, such as tile, laminate, and carpet.

If you’re looking for more advice on how to heat cold rooms, or if you have any other home comfort concern, be sure to contact the professionals at Roth Home & Cooling. We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of Portland and the surrounding area since 1976.

When it comes to the safe operation of your furnace, there’s one component that plays a vital role: the heat exchanger. This coil of metal tubing is what keeps combustion fumes contained so they go out the exhaust vent pipe. If problems develop with this critically-important device, those noxious fumes that contain carbon monoxide and other harmful gases can escape and enter the warm air that’s being distributed through the ductwork in your home.

Here are three problems that commonly occur with heat exchangers and how to address them:

1. Rust and Corrosion

Heat exchangers can corrode and rust out due to excess condensation inside the furnace. Mostly, this is a problem with high-efficiency condensing furnaces. When the system is working properly, the condensate is expelled through a built-in drainage system. If the drain line gets partially blocked, the furnace still operates, but condensation can’t flow out freely and will gradually rust out the heat exchangers, allowing fumes to escape through holes in the metal. Condensation can also cause similar problems in a lower-efficiency furnace if the exhaust flue pipe is too small.

2. Age-Related Deterioration

Furnace heat exchangers are designed durably to withstand repeated cycles of heating up and cooling down over a long service life. With advancing age, the expansion and contraction that occurs will cause metal fatigue and small cracks will form in the material. When this happens, the furnace will need replacement.

3. Premature Metal Failure

Under certain conditions metal fatigue can happen prematurely, which means a costly early replacement of the furnace. The underlying cause may be insufficient system airflow or burner irregularities, but both result in overheating of the metal.

Preventing Problems With The Heat Exchanger

For safety and peace of mind, it’s wise to stay ahead of developing heat exchanger-related problems by having a trained HVAC technician inspect your furnace annually. An experienced technician will clean the components, check for adequate airflow, make any necessary burner adjustments and inspect the heat exchanger for wear and damage.

To have your furnace heat exchanger inspected, contact the Portland home comfort pros at Roth Home & Cooling.

Daylight saving time (DST) ends November 5, 2017, which means it will be time to change the clocks and your programmable thermostat one hour back. It’s easier to remember how to set it by thinking about springing forward in the spring and falling back in the autumn.

The purpose of the time change was to save energy by reducing the amount of indoor lighting required in the summer. It has proved marginally successful for this purpose. Much greater energy savings have come from more efficient HVAC systems, lighting, stricter building codes and appliances. Efforts to overturn DST have met with resistance because people enjoy longer daylight hours while the weather is comfortable outdoors.

Changing the Thermostat

Some types of programmable thermostats are fairly intuitive, but if yours isn’t, you may need to consult the owner’s manual to reset it. Most manufacturers provide these manuals online if you’ve misplaced yours.

It’s also a good idea to change the batteries for the thermostat when you adjust the time for daylight saving time. Without working batteries, the thermostat won’t be able to turn the HVAC system on. Most programmable thermostat covers are easy to take off by twisting or prying the covers off, or removing a few screws.

Changing the Temperatures

Unlike summer, chances are you’ll want the home warmer during the day and cooler at night. As you prepare to change from DST to standard time, set the thermostat for optimal energy savings.

Turning the temperature down at night helps you sleep better and save energy. While you’re home during the day, a setting of 68 degrees F is comfortable for most. You may also want to increase the daytime temperatures during the weekends when your family is at home.

Adjusting the thermostat for the end of daylight saving time will give you better temperature control for winter. If you need help with this project or haven’t had your system serviced for winter, please contact Roth Home & Cooling, providing trusted HVAC services for Portland area homeowners.

When the fall temperatures arrive in Oregon, they’re accompanied by the ghosts and goblins of Halloween. Halloween is the first of the year-end holidays that bring out an interest in decorating homes inside and out. While Halloween decorating can be fun, getting into the spirit of the season shouldn’t compromise HVAC safety.

Here are some tips for keeping your HVAC system and your home safe when decorating for Halloween:

Keep Vents Clear Indoors

The vents on the outdoor unit of your heating and cooling system need to be open so that air can move in or out as needed. If these vents are blocked by Halloween decorations, the system cannot get the airflow it needs, which reduces performance. Indoor decorations blocking vents and registers can prevent warm or cool air from leaving the ductwork.

Allow Air Flow Outside

Both your cooling system and your heating system need an unobstructed source of airflow. Vents provide part of it, but the outdoor unit also needs to have plenty of space around it to ensure that enough air is available. If you put too many decorations on or near the unit, they could impede airflow and cause issues with the HVAC system’s function. In the worst cases, blocked airflow can damage the unit.

Avoid Decorations Inside Your Unit

Spider webs–real ones–can cause problems with the internal components of the outdoor unit. In particular, they can interfere with electrical connections and cause circuit breakers to trip or, in the worse cases, cause components and circuit boards to burn out. Pieces from Halloween decorations that come loose and make their way inside the outdoor unit can have similar effects. Pieces of cotton from artificial webs, bits of cloth or paper from ghost decorations, or even whole decorations could cause problems with your HVAC system if they get inside the unit.

Roth Home has been serving the HVAC needs of customers in Portland, Hillsboro, Canby, and the surrounding Oregon communities for more than forty years. Contact us today for more information on HVAC safety when decorating your home for Halloween and other holidays.

You have most likely heard of our Precision Tune-Up service from past newsletters, this website, and other promotions but have you ever wondered exactly what happens during a Precision Tune-Up (PTU)? With this story told in pictures we hope to give you a better understanding of what a PTU for a gas furnace looks like and how it can benefit your home.

Each PTU starts with a trained Service Technician removing the electronic air cleaner to inspect and clean. Whether you have an electronic air cleaner or a disposable filter, it is necessary to make sure they are cleaned or replaced monthly or quarterly. Our Service Technicians can talk to you about specific details for your system.

Here the Service Technician is removing the blower for cleaning. Having a cleaned blower assembly and wheel ensures the furnace will deliver the proper amount of air for optimum performance.

When the Service Technician finishes with the electronic air cleaner and blower the process of checking the heat exchanger and cleaning the burners is begun. Clean burners and good flame patterns combined with the proper sequence of operation can ensure "worry-free operation" for your home.

Before finishing up the Service Technician checks the gas pressure to your system. Checking your furnace for proper fuel pressure can be critical so that the equipment does not overfire.

Hopefully, this quick look into a Precision Tune-Up (PTU) will help you see the value it adds to keeping your system running at top performance. To learn more about our PTU contact us now. If you are ready to schedule or have questions don't hesitate to contact our office at (503) 673-6394.

Fall weather in the Portland area can range from warm to cool, which makes thermostat settings challenging before going on a vacation. Most thermostats don’t automatically switch between cooling and heating, which means that you’ll have to select one or the other before you go and set the temperature accordingly.

Fortunately weather forecasts are more reliable than ever and you’ll be able to look up the weather trends for at least a month in advance. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center publishes weather outlooks from one day to a year ahead.

Before leaving, consult their maps or tables online to find their predictions for the weather and select the heating or cooling function. As a rule of thumb, set the temperature four degrees above or below the temperature you normally keep your home.

If you’re leaving pets at home, you may want to leave the temperature within a few degrees of the temperature you normally keep the home, since they adapt to the temperatures you normally keep.

Making It Simple

Upgrading your thermostat from a manual or programmable unit to a Wi-Fi device will not only simplify thermostat settings, it will give you minute-by-minute information on conditions in your home, like its temperature and humidity, and sometimes occupancy. With a smart Wi-Fi thermostat, you’ll be able to change the function between heating and cooling, along with the temperatures.

You can even reset the temperature to one that you’ll find most comfortable when you’re about to arrive home. However, if you use a heat pump and need heating, you’ll want to reset it 24 hours ahead of time so that the auxiliary heating coil doesn’t turn on. The coil uses much more energy to heat than the heat pump does. A smart thermostat equipped with intelligent recovery technology will prevent the heat pump from using the coil.

The temperature settings for your home while you’re away can affect your home’s interior and the comfort of any pets you leave behind. For more information, contact Roth Home & Cooling, providing trusted HVAC services for Portland-area homeowners.

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