Portland's once-mild summers have given way to intense heat waves, with multiple days exceeding 100°F, the infamous 116°F record in 2021 still fresh in memory, and wildfire smoke often turning the sky orange in late summer. These conditions make dependable air conditioning not just a convenience—it's a necessity for health, sleep, productivity, and protecting vulnerable family members like the elderly or infants. At Efficiency Heating & Cooling, we deliver comprehensive, local AC services built for Portland's unique challenges: extreme heat spikes, high pollen and cottonwood that clog coils, humidity-driven corrosion, urban heat islands making downtown 5-10°F hotter, and historic homes lacking ductwork. Family-owned since 2008, our NATE-certified technicians provide installation, repair, maintenance, replacement, troubleshooting, and 24/7 emergency support with upfront pricing, no overtime fees, same-day availability when possible, and a rock-solid 100% satisfaction guarantee. Backed by 1,320+ Google reviews at 4.9/5 stars, we're Portland's go-to AC company—from downtown to Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Oregon City, West Linn, Tualatin, Clackamas, and the full 25-mile metro radius. Call (503) 698-5588 today—our live team answers 24/7.
With 350-450 cooling degree days annually concentrated in July-September, plus heat waves adding 50-100 extra days of strain, many older AC systems simply can't keep up. Temperature swings from 95°F afternoons to 60°F evenings cause short-cycling, while pollen, cottonwood fluff, and wildfire smoke accelerate filter and coil buildup, reducing efficiency and indoor air quality. Our services address these head-on:
Energy-Efficient Upgrades — High-SEER (14-26+) systems slash cooling bills by up to 50%.
Improved Air Quality — High-MERV filters, UV lights, and whole-home purification combat smoke, allergens, and pollutants.
Reliable Performance — Variable-speed and two-stage units maintain steady comfort without wasteful on-off cycles.
Health & Safety Focus — Prevent breakdowns during peaks; prioritize response for medical needs, infants, and seniors.
As a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, we offer exclusive premium Bryant systems with extended warranties up to 10 years, priority parts, and factory training—while expertly installing and repairing all major brands including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, York, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, and American Standard.
We cover every aspect with local expertise:
AC Installation — Central systems, ductless mini-splits for no-duct homes, or heat pump additions; Manual J sizing for heat wave extremes; starts at $4,995 (central) or $3,500 (ductless).
AC Repair & Emergency — No cooling, warm air, noises, leaks, frozen coils, or refrigerant issues; 24/7 with average under-2-hour response; costs $150-$1,200.
AC Replacement — For 10-15+ year old units, R-22 phase-out, or inefficiency; high-SEER upgrades from $4,995.
AC Maintenance & Tune-Ups — Annual 21-point spring inspections (refrigerant check, coil cleaning, electrical, thermostat calibration, drain clearing, filter replacement, efficiency testing); plans start at $14/month or $189 one-time.
Troubleshooting & Diagnostics — From $89 (credited to repairs); quick identification of capacitor failures, low refrigerant, or airflow problems.
All work includes permits, responsible disposal, safety testing, and clear homeowner walkthroughs. We maximize rebates—Energy Trust of Oregon ($300-$2,000+), federal incentives (through 2025), and manufacturer offers—for thousands in savings.
Local & Experienced — Family-owned since 2008, deeply familiar with PDX climate quirks.
Certified Expertise — NATE-certified techs, licensed (OR CCB #187834), bonded, insured.
Customer-Centric — Upfront written estimates, no surprises, honest repair-vs-replace advice.
Fast & Fair — 24/7 emergency without overtime; same-day service priority.
Guaranteed Quality — 100% satisfaction—if not thrilled, we'll make it right.
Financing Options — Flexible plans to fit budgets.
Our reviews speak volumes: "They got our AC running during a heat wave while others had weeks-long waits—excellent!" and "Professional, fair pricing, quality work."
Heat Wave Overload — Undersized units fail; we size properly with Manual J.
Pollen & Smoke Clogging — Annual coil/filter cleaning; add purification.
Historic/No-Duct Homes — Ductless mini-splits for zoned, efficient cooling.
Refrigerant Leaks — Electronic detection, recharge, or R-410A upgrade recommendations.
Short-Cycling/Noises — Sensor, capacitor, or compressor fixes.
How much does AC installation cost in Portland?
$4,995-$12,000 for central; ductless mini-splits from $3,500; rebates $300-$2,000+ reduce costs significantly.
What size AC system do I need?
Manual J calculation factors home size, insulation, windows, and 20-30% extra capacity for heat waves.
How long does AC installation take?
Most 1 day; complex (ductwork/electrical) 2-3 days.
When to repair vs. replace?
If 10-12+ years old, R-22, repair >50% new cost, or frequent issues—replacement saves long-term.
How often for AC maintenance?
Annual in April-May; bi-annual for high-allergen homes; plans $14+/month.
What's in a tune-up?
21-point: refrigerant, coils, electrical, thermostat, drains, filters, safety/efficiency checks.
Do you service all brands?
Yes—all major; Bryant authorized specialists.
Emergency during heat waves?
24/7, no extra fees, prioritizes vulnerable households, under 2-hour average response.
What areas do you cover?
Full Portland metro 25-mile radius—Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Tigard, and more.
Don't let the next heat wave or smoke event catch you unprepared. With rising demand in summer, secure your spot now. Call Efficiency Heating & Cooling at (503) 698-5588 for 24/7 emergencies, free estimates, or scheduling—or visit our site to book online. From our Portland, Milwaukie, and Happy Valley locations, we're committed to keeping your home cool, healthy, and efficient.
Experience the Efficiency difference—local expertise, proven reliability, and genuine care for Portland comfort.