Frequently asked questions
Do you have a quick question about HVAC Services or Precision Air? Check out these topics. If you need something else, please give us a call.
About Precision Air LLC
Q. Why do some of your vans say Washougal Heating & Cooling?
A. Precision Air LLC and Washougal Heating & Cooling have joined forces to offer the best in HVAC services to the greater Portland and Vancouver area. We are in the process of rolling out our new logo, but in the meantime, be assured that you’ll get the same great service regardless of the logo on the van.
Q. How long have you been in business?
A. Washougal Heating & Cooling has been in business since 1952, and Precision Air is excited to bring this experience to all our clients in the greater Portland area.
Q. What are your hours?
A. We offer estimates, installations, maintenance, and repair visits Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm.
Q. What do I do if I have an emergency when your office is closed?
A. Call one of our main numbers and leave a voicemail message. One of our 24 hour emergency technicians will be notified and will call you back.
Q. Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
A. We are licensed contractors in both Washington and Oregon
About HVAC Systems
Q. What is included in a full HVAC system?
A. A full HVAC system includes the ability to both heat and cool your home. The two main full systems we install are furnaces combined with air conditioners, or heat pumps with mini-splits. Add-ons to consider to the base system include programmable thermostats, air purifiers, and dehumidifiers.
Q. Why should I install a furnace with air conditioner?
A. A traditional heating and cooling system includes a furnace (which can be gas, oil, or electric-powered) and an air conditioner. The majority of the system is installed in your attic or garage, with the air compressor outside the home and ductwork channeling warm or cooled air throughout the home. These systems are a higher initial investment, but with regular care and maintenance can last over 20 years. Programmable thermostats and multiple zones allow for precision temperature control and energy savings.
Q. What is the benefit of a heat pump with ductless mini-split?
A. Ductless mini-splits are a newer innovation that allow advanced heating and cooling in buildings that cannot support ductwork, such as older homes. This includes a header in each room to be served in the system, and a heat pump outside the home. Upfront investment is smaller and can be controlled by carefully determining which rooms get a header. Systems are electric and do not need to tap into an oil tank or natural gas line.
About Installations and Replacements
Q. What kind of heating and cooling system do I need?
A. Precision Air will work with you to figure out what hvac system works best for your building and budget. Our experienced estimators will come to your home or building and determine the best solution for your needs. Don’t rely on a virtual hvac estimate – our estimators have the trained eyes and expertise needed to work out the best solution and provide an accurate estimate that won’t leave you mid-project with unexpected cost overruns.
Q. What is the installation process like?
A. First, one of our estimators will come out to you, walk through your site, and provide a professional estimate. After we have received a 50% deposit, or guarantee through our financing company, we will schedule one of our expert installation teams to come out to you. We will take care of any permits needed, as well as submitting the paperwork for any potential rebates, such as from your state energy department. If needed, when installation is complete we will set up an inspection with your town or city. This is usually the longest part of the process, as we have to work with your city inspector’s availability.
Q. How long does an HVAC system installation usually take?
A. This depends greatly on the site and the system being installed. Ductless mini-splits are usually a half day of work, whereas a full heating and cooling system can take a couple of days. From start to finish, estimate to inspection, we’re usually looking at one – two weeks.
Q. Can I just have my air conditioner or furnace replaced?
A. Of course! If you don’t need a whole system, Precision Air can replace your old furnace or air conditioner with a new energy efficient one.
Q. How long does an HVAC system last?
A. Traditional heating and cooling systems, that include a furnace and central air, can last between 20-30 years. A heat pump with mini-splits will only last 15-20 years. However, the ductless mini-split system allows for cheaper addition and replacement of headers.
Q. Can I add an air purifier to my HVAC system?
A. Absolutely – an air purifier is a great addition to a full heating and cooling system. Especially here in the PNW where we can expect to receive several weeks of wildfire smoke every year.
Q. Can I get a heating and cooling system installed in my old house?
A. Many older homes in our area were not built with a full heating and cooling system. We have serviced many homes that have relied on small electric wall units and woodburning stoves for heat, and window AC units for cooling. Most older homes are not designed to easily add the ductwork needed for a furnace and central air conditioner. The good news is that heat pumps with ductless mini-splits are an excellent option for bringing modern, energy efficient heating and cooling into an older home. Headers can be installed in multiple rooms, offering custom temperature control and energy savings. They can even be painted so they blend into your home’s décor too.
Q. What HVAC products do you carry?
A. Precision Air is a certified installer of Carrier Heating and Cooling products.
About HVAC Repair
Q. Why is my air conditioner blowing hot air instead of cold air?
A. If it happens all of a sudden, it’s most likely that the capacitor failed. You may just need a quick fix. If it’s a gradual issue, it could be low on freon or a bad filter.
Q. I just turned my heat on and it smells like something’s burning. What do I do?
A. If it’s the first time you’ve turned it on for the season, it could be dust that has built up over the summertime. It will usually subside. If it’s an electrical burning smell, call us right away to take a look at it.
Q. Why isn’t my heater working?
A. This could be one of many reasons a heater can stop working. Give us a call!
Q. My furnace is 20 years old, can it be repaired?
A. Yes, it can in most cases. However, it’s better to replace at this age because additional issues will be more common. It would be ideal at this juncture to start planning for a new system. If you don’t know what you will need, give us a call and we can help you identify the right equipment and investment.
Q. Do you repair all types of heating and cooling equipment?
A. Yes we do.
Q. What do I do if there’s a leak in my HVAC system?
A. If your HVAC is leaking, depending on the age of the sytem, it can often be an expensive repair. If it’s an older R22 freon style system, it’s better to replace the system than repair it. However, it could be a simple fix. Give us to diagnose the problem.
Q. How do I know if a repair has really fixed the problem with my HVAC system?
A. It’s either working or it’s not!
About HVAC Maintenance
Q. How do I maintain my heating and cooling system?
A. Call us to schedule a maintenance. If you only have a heating system it could be maintained once per year. If you have a heating and cooling system, you can have both serviced once per year, or each system every six months.
Q. Can I perform maintenance on my hvac system myself?
A. Many homeowners choose to DIY their heating and cooling system maintenance. Just as with cleaning gutters and seeding the lawn, there are certain tasks that are should be done at certain times of year. This post outlines what maintenance to perform and when.
Q. Can I hire someone to maintain my furnace and air conditioner?
A. Yes! Precision Air’s Preventative Maintenance Program is a stress-free yearly maintenance subscription that keeps your heating and cooling system working cleanly and efficiently. We’ll reach out to you when you’re due for a visit, so its one less thing you need to remember.
Q. What is included in the Preventative Maintenance Program?
A. Subscribe to Precision Air’s maintenance program and receive:
- filter changes
- IDK
- 15% off repairs
“He worked tirelessly to resolve my issues to get my heating and cooling system working optimally.”
“He showed up early with a phone call in advance to let me know he was on his way, was professional during his visit, and thoroughly explained the service after completion.”
“The sales team listened to what we wanted and provided a competitive air conditioning quote.”