HVAC Tips, Guides, and Resources from Chase Heating & Cooling

If your furnace is making a noise you have never heard before, your AC is blowing warm air, or you just want to know whether it's time to replace your heating system, you are in the right place. This is the Chase Heating & Cooling HVAC blog, where we share practical, honest information for Oregon City homeowners who want to understand their systems better and make smart decisions about their home comfort.

We have been serving Clackamas County since 2001. We write about the questions our customers actually ask us, the problems we see most often in the field, and the maintenance habits that help HVAC systems run well for 15 to 20 years. No filler, no jargon you have to look up.

What You Will Find Here

A Note on DIY vs. Calling a Professional

We are big believers in helping homeowners understand their systems. A confident homeowner who knows how to change a filter, reset a circuit breaker, and recognize a warning sign early is going to spend less on repairs over time.

That said, there are things that genuinely require a certified technician: refrigerant handling, heat exchanger inspections, electrical work, and gas line repairs. We will always tell you which category a job falls into. We will always tell you which is which.

When something needs a professional, Chase is available throughout Clackamas County and the Portland area. Give us a call at 503-254-1274 or request service online.

Stay Current

HVAC technology, rebates, and code requirements change. We update our resources regularly and add new guides when we see questions coming up repeatedly in the field.

If there is a topic you would like us to cover, reach out. We write for homeowners, and homeowner questions are the best source of ideas for new content.

How Can We Help You?

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 $20 Off Furnace or AC Tune Up

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Aux Heat vs. Emergency Heat: What Your Thermostat Display Is Actually Telling You

October 20, 2026

You wake up, it’s cold, and your thermostat is showing “AUX HEAT” or “EM HEAT.” Before you panic (or Google what it’s going to cost you), take a breath. These are some of the most common calls we get in winter. Most of the time, a quick explanation is all it takes to resolve it. Occasionally, it can save you from a rash decision that could add a few hundred dollars to your heating bill. Here’s what Aux and Em heat modes mean and when something actually needs your attention. Your Heat Pump Isn’t Working Alone A heat pump doesn’t generate heat the way a furnace does. It pulls heat from outdoor air and moves it inside. It’s efficient at this, even in cold weather,…