Air Conditioning Articles

Common AC Purchasing Mistakes

March 26, 2026

Purchasing a new air conditioner can be a daunting task, but we’re here to help! Here are some common purchasing mistakes to avoid when buying a new air conditioning system in Portland, OR. The Wrong Sized Unit It is easy to buy a unit too large or too small for your space. A larger unit…

Why Is My Thermostat Blank?

September 19, 2025

It is an “Oh no!” moment when you approach your home’s thermostat and see its blank screen.

Is this a serious issue—does it mean your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioning is broken? Not necessarily. In fact, most of the time, it is something minor and can be easily fixed!

Why Is My AC Short Cycling?

August 15, 2025

Your AC cannot make up its mind.  One minute, it runs. Then it stops. Then it runs again.

How Can I Afford a New AC System (and Other HVAC Equipment)?

July 18, 2025

Most people spend 90 percent of their day indoors, according to the US EPA. Investing in your home, health, and comfort just makes sense.

What’s That Smell Coming From My AC at Startup?

June 20, 2025

As the temperatures begin to rise in Portland, many homeowners are firing up their air conditioners for the first time in months. But what if, instead of a refreshing blast of cool air, you’re hit with an unpleasant smell?

3 Signs It’s Time For A New AC

May 23, 2025

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), high-efficiency air conditioners can reduce energy usage by 20 to 50 percent per year.

Spring AC Maintenance Tips

April 18, 2025

Spring is finally arriving in Oregon! The days are getting longer, the flowers are blooming, and you’re probably already thinking about dusting off the patio furniture or tackling that messy garage.

5 Reasons Why Regular HVAC Maintenance is Essential for Homeowners

April 11, 2025

Are you cool and comfortable in your Portland, home? If so, you can probably thank your air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner in Portland, OR

March 1, 2025

Portland weather keeps you guessing. One day it’s damp and cool, the next you’re trying to remember where the fan ended up last fall. When the summer heat shows up, it doesn’t mess around-and having an air conditioner that works the way it should makes a big difference. When summer rolls through Portland, it doesn’t…

3 Tips to Prevent an AC Breakdown During a Heat Wave

March 1, 2025

An air conditioner is your lifeline during a prolonged heat wave. Whether you need air conditioning repair in Portland OR or regular service in Gresham, this life-saving comfort system is a necessity when temperatures soar and linger… This life-saving comfort system is a necessity when temperatures soar and linger in Gresham, OR, as they have…

5 Common AC Problems

July 19, 2024

When your air conditioner (AC) is running at peak efficiency, you win.

AC Maintenance Checklist

June 20, 2024

Can you imagine a scorching hot day here in Oregon City without air conditioning? During those dog days of summer, your air conditioning system can be your very best friend.

Air Conditioners: Things You May Not Have Known

June 14, 2024

Though air conditioners are a major part of modern life, they hold many secrets few people know about.

Summer Savings Tips for AC

May 24, 2024

It’s summertime in Oregon. The team at Ben’s Heating AC and Electrical hopes you find time to relax with friends and family, taking in the beautiful sunny days. On days when it gets a bit too sunny, you can jump in a pool or bask in the cool breeze your air conditioner provides.

3 Signs It’s Time For a New AC

May 17, 2024

Should you repair or replace? That’s always the big question when it comes to major home systems like air conditioning (AC).

Why is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

July 21, 2023

Few things in life can be more frustrating than your air conditioner malfunctioning over the summer—but it can and does happen. Luckily, Ben’s Heating, AC and Electrical has solutions to help keep you from boiling!

When Do I Replace My Air Conditioner?

June 30, 2023

Before shopping for a new unit, let your Ben’s Heating, AC and Electrical LLC specialist perform an honest assessment to see whether AC replacement or repair would be more cost-effective. That way, you’re guaranteed the maximum mileage from your current one.

Why Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance?

June 16, 2023

It’s about to heat up here in Oregon City. Make sure your air conditioner (AC) is primed for the Oregon summer heat rays by scheduling a seasonal maintenance visit.

Ductless ACs Improve Indoor Air Quality and Control Humidity

September 8, 2022

Your home’s Indoor air quality is often two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These pollutants contribute to many diseases as well as respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies. It Might Be Time to Split Installing a ductless air conditioner (AC), also known as a…

3 Telltale Signs It’s Time for a New AC

August 10, 2022

Deciding on the ideal time to replace your air conditioning system in Oregon City can be a challenge, so here are three areas our Ben’s Heating, AC & Electrical professionals suggest you monitor for telltale signs.

Air Conditioning Maintenance Checklist

July 13, 2022

Can you imagine a hot Portland summer without air conditioning? Your air conditioning system can be your very best friend on the warmest days. 

Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up?

July 3, 2022

The ice buildup on your air conditioner creates the inability for it to cool effectively and puts stress on the compressor (your outdoor unit if you have central air conditioning). Over time, this can lead to a costly repair or the need to replace the compressor. 

Common AC Problems and Solutions

June 13, 2022

Our team at Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning wants you to be aware, prepared, and ready to solve these air conditioning issues so you and your family can stay cool this summer.

How to Properly Size an AC System

May 9, 2022

Our professionals at Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning would be happy to help you select the best-sized air conditioner for your particular Oregon home. In the meantime, here is a peak into how our trained experts calculate air conditioning needs.

3 Health Benefits for Using Your AC While Sleeping

September 15, 2021

At Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand that depending on your air conditioner to run efficiently is crucial to helping you get the good night’s sleep you deserve. We also know how critical sleep is to everyday life, so we make it a priority to provide our customers in the West Linn, OR, area a cooling system that ensures the utmost comfort all hours of the day or night.

How Does Your Central Air Conditioner Cool Your Home?

June 11, 2021

Air conditioners do so much more than just cool, like dehumidify your home or business and help keep your inside air cleaner. Understanding a bit of its basic components and how they work can help you identify a problem or malfunction when it occurs.

Spring Money-Saving Tips

April 5, 2021

If you can reduce that usage in Portland, you will be able to make a difference in our environment and save yourself some money as well. Take some of the following ideas from our professionals at Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning to heart and make some money-saving resolutions today.

How Can I Afford a New AC System (and Other HVAC Equipment)?

August 14, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected so many lives around us, both health-wise and financially. At Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we remain committed to providing the best service to all our Oregon customers during this difficult time. Let’s stick together as a community and help each other whenever we can. We can certainly understand how…

Do I Really Need an AC Tune-Up?

May 18, 2020

Home ownership comes with a great deal of responsibilities and an ever-growing to-do list. Add to that the responsibilities of a career and a family, and you see why modern life runs at a constant, fast pace here in Oregon City. It’s easy to bump things like an air conditioner tune-up down the priority list,…

3 Health Benefits for Using Your AC While Sleeping

August 15, 2019

A major part of your health relies on getting a good night’s sleep. That’s why it’s not just important to run your air conditioner during the hot summer days. You also need to keep your home comfortably cool at night as well. At Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand that depending on your air…

Does My Air Conditioner Eliminate Mold?

July 2, 2019

At Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re often asked, “Do air conditioners kill off mold?” This is a common misconception. A properly maintained and functioning air conditioner (AC) can decrease the likelihood of mold growth. This is because it acts as a humidity balancer. But if mold forms, the air conditioner can’t prevent it from growing.…

4 Signs I Need a New AC Unit

June 8, 2019

Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning understands that air conditioning is crucial for comfort in your daily life here in Gresham, OR. A well maintained AC unit, with yearly inspections and monthly filter changes, can last up to 10 or 15 years. How do I know if I need repairs for my unit or if I…

Does an Air Conditioner Help With Allergies?

May 15, 2019

Does an air conditioner help with allergies? In one word, yes. Actually two words, yes if. If you properly maintain the air conditioner. Air conditioners can help filter your home’s air and control its humidity, which are both helps in the allergy world. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), it’s estimated…

How to Save Money on Your Air Conditioning and Energy Bill

August 27, 2018

The US Department of Energy says that air conditioning can account for up to 47% of your utility bill. At Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we take energy efficiency seriously. Here in Oregon City we understand that air conditioning is crucial for comfort during the hot months and our advice may help you save money…

What Does SEER Mean?

August 15, 2018

When it comes to your air conditioner (A/C), a common term used in the HVAC business that you’re likely to see everywhere is your air conditioner’s SEER. But what exactly is SEER? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s a rating system of the air conditioner’s cooling capacity to power input, i.e., it’s the…

3 Signs You Need a New Air Conditioner

July 31, 2018

Air conditioning is crucial for comfort in your daily life during the summer here in Portland. A well maintained AC unit, with yearly inspections and monthly filter changes, can last up to 10 or 15 years. So how do you know if you need repairs for your unit or if you need a replacement? 1.…

How to Choose Between Quotes for Your New Air Conditioner

July 14, 2018

When you’re faced with replacing your air conditioner, it can be daunting. It seems there’s so much to know. Even when you have your standard three quotes from contractors, how do you know which one to pick? You may be tempted to simply choose the lowest bid, but don’t do it––at least until you’ve checked…

Why is My Air Conditioner Making So Much Noise?

June 14, 2018

Your air conditioning unit will always make some noise when running, and older units are louder than newer ones, so consider the age of your unit before getting too concerned about the noise that it is making. At Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we recommend a maintenance inspection at least once a year to inspect…

How Does Air Conditioning Work?

May 25, 2018

An air conditioner is a standard appliance in interior comfort. The Energy Information Administration reports that AC units account for almost 20 percent of yearly electricity consumption in the US. At Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we believe that knowledge is power: The more you know about the appliances you are using, the more effectively…

Why is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

May 24, 2018

What happens when you turn on your air conditioning unit and it blows hot or warm air? There are many reasons this might be happening. We want to keep you cool at Ben’s Heating & Air Conditioning, so here are a few simple things that you can check before you call us or request service…

Why is Air Conditioning Maintenance Important?

April 26, 2018

An air conditioner, just like a car, needs regular maintenance and service for it to run efficiently. We recommend getting your AC unit serviced and cleaned once a year. You should do this in the spring, to ensure that your unit will run with the most efficiency during the hottest summer months. Why is this…

Does My Air Conditioner Help With Allergies?

April 23, 2018

Does an air conditioner help with allergies? Yes, if you properly maintain the unit. Air conditioners can help filter your home’s air and control humidity, and both of these things are important in the allergy world. It’s estimated there are now 50 million seasonal allergy sufferers in America. Properly maintaining your HVAC system is the…