Author: Air Docs

Regular maintenance is the key ingredient that can ensure that your heater is working properly and to keep your system from failing abruptly, you need to learn more about the issues that can hamper its performance.

Let Air Doc’s of the Treasure Coast, the leading name for quality heating repair in Vero Beach, FL, be your guide as we discuss the most common heater maintenance problems.

AGE-RELATED ISSUES

Just like any appliance, a heater won’t last forever. On average, a heater should last for more than a decade–though much longer if maintained properly. Nonetheless, an old heating system is bound to be more prone to wear and tear so it will need to be repaired frequently. Since technology has also advanced significantly, more efficient heating systems are in the market, which can help save money on utility bills. If you purchase a new heater, make sure to hire a professional technician with a good reputation to handle the heating installation.

THERMOSTAT ISSUES

There are electrical issues you’ll face when dealing with heating systems, including loose wiring, blown fuses, and ineffective or inaccurate thermostats. The thermostat is responsible for setting the amount of heat that should be produced. If the heat produced by the heater differs from the thermostat readings, you need to hire a technician who handles heating maintenance to calibrate your system properly.

THE HEATER PRODUCING ODD NOISES

Most heaters will produce some noise as they operate. However, there are instances when the heater may be too noisy, which means it is faulty or is en route to being faulty. When you notice the heater producing odd noises, get in touch with a reputable contractor to avail of heating services ASAP. This way, you can have the system properly assessed and fixed.

A fully-functional heating system is essential to comfortable indoor living–especially in cold climates. To ensure your heater won’t break down abruptly, don’t let maintenance go by the wayside. For quality AC repair services, Air Doc’s of the Treasure Coast is at your service.

Heating systems are a standard home utility. But with constant use, even the most dependable of systems can fall to disrepair. To ensure they are running properly, you need to schedule regular system maintenance. For dependable heating repair in Vero Beach, FL, turn to Air Doc’s of the Treasure Coast.

Here, we discuss some advantages of scheduling regular maintenance.

LOW REPAIR COSTS

A significant benefit of regular heating maintenance is it helps reduce the number of repairs your system may need. Through regular maintenance, technicians can catch minor issues before they develop. This will prevent significant issues that might require you to replace the system.

BOOST EFFICIENCY

Over time, heating systems will slowly deteriorate. Moving parts of the system begin to wear down, making it harder to perform its task. By prioritizing regular maintenance, you reduce the deterioration process. During routine maintenance, technicians get to lubricate the moving parts and change the worn belts. This allows the system to operate properly for much longer.

GUARANTEES SAFETY

Safety should always be a priority when it comes to your family and home. This is why hiring professional heating services is essential. Expert technicians will test safety controls, clean or replace air filters, and inspect heat exchangers. This will help maintain the safety features of your heating system.

BETTER AIR QUALITY

Besides keeping you warm during particularly cold seasons, a heating system also keeps indoor air pure. The air filters collect dust, mildew, mold, and other pollutants, thus ensuring good air quality in your home. However, air filters get dirty over time, which reduces their performance, and tampers with air quality. With regular maintenance, you ensure they perform their duty well.

Through regular maintenance, you can keep your heating system operating at peak level and even extend its service life. To ensure that your heating and ventilation system is in check, rely on our expert team at Air Doc’s of the Treasure Coast. We specialize in heating installation, maintenance, and repair services.

It can be difficult to keep warm indoors during the colder months of the year. However, there are some ways to stay nice and warm even when things are chilly outside. Air Docs Heating & Cooling is the leader in heating repair in Fellsmere, FL. Here, we take a close look at some helpful tips to help you stay warm.

INSTALL AN EFFICIENT FURNACE

An efficient furnace is a must during the cold months of the year. By availing of a heating installation service from a reputable heating and cooling company, you won’t have to push the panic button whenever the temperature drops as the cold months arrive.

HIRE A REPUTABLE HEATING COMPANY

Work only with reputable companies that offer heating services at reasonable prices. If you are experiencing issues with your heating system, a professional can repair it to improve its efficiency. When hiring an electrician, it is essential to find one with years of experience.

INSULATE YOUR HOME

Insulating your home is one of the most efficient ways to keep it warm during winter. It is a simple but effective way to keep houses warm and eliminate drafts. One effective way to insulate your home would be to use heat-reflective paint on all exposed walls, pipes, and windows. This will prevent heat loss and ensure you remain warm all winter.

DON’T SKIP MAINTENANCE

You can’t skip heating maintenance routines and expect your heating system to perform at peak levels whenever you need it. There’s always going to be the wear-and-tear factor, so you need periodic maintenance to ensure every component is in fine working order.

These are just a few ways to stay warm all year long. When it is cold outside, and you want to stay warm, installing a heating system will help you beat the cold weather. Count on Air Docs Heating & Cooling for the services you need to stay warm and cozy indoors. Reach out to us today to schedule a service!

Some days, when you turn on the heater, you smell a burning smell. And with winter and inflated energy bills fast approaching, there’s always a nagging thought: Is your heater safe? If you’ve ever wondered about that smell when turning on your heater, we’re here to tell you that the burning smell is just fine. It turns out that natural gas leaks are extremely rare. Here are some possible causes of a burning smell when you turn on your heater.

1. DAMAGED ELECTRICAL WIRING

If your heater is not working properly, this is most likely why you are getting a burning smell. Whether it’s improper installation or faulty wiring, there is always the chance something goes wrong when the wires are installed. If this is the cause of your “burning” heater, be sure to call an electrician to fix any damage.

2. TRAPPED DEBRIS IN THE HEATER

If you regularly use your heater, there is always the possibility that a foreign object will end up in it. If this occurs, you will most likely experience a burning smell. This is because a lot of debris can end up clogging the vents inside the unit, compromising the health and safety of those around you.

3. A FAULTY THERMOSTAT

If the thermostat is not allowing the heater to turn on, this is one of the possible causes of a burning smell. More often than not, you will notice this scent when you turn on your heat as your heater turns off as soon as it reaches a specific temperature. This happens because the thermostat is faulty and does not send any heat to the unit.

4. GAS LEAK

Imagine turning on your heater and smelling something burning. You look around and find no source of the smell, but the burning smell continues. This is because you could have a gas leak, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if the issue is left unchecked. When you suspect a gas leak, call Air Docs Heating & Cooling to come to inspect your home for any leaks.

5. OLD HEATER

Just like any other appliance, your heater will eventually break down. This event is often referred to as “out of warranty.” If you have an older heater, you are more susceptible to experiencing a burning smell when you turn it on. This is because there are generally more parts inside the unit that have gone bad.

6. THE HEATING ELEMENT

If you are getting a burning smell from your heater, it could be that the heating element is bad. These are metal coils that are found inside your unit. If one of them has gone bad, it can be causing this smell to occur when the heater is turned on. When this happens, you will need to have the unit replaced.

7. DUST ON THE FURNACE

There is no denying that when you turn on your furnace unit, you will smell things burning. Some people believe this is because of dust on the coils of the unit. If this is the case, there’s no need to worry. You may be experiencing a burning smell because some things can burn in your heater when turned on. These include any fabric that could have been lying around, as well as carpeting under your home.

8. DIRTY FURNACE AIR VENTS OR FILTERS

One of the causes of a burning smell when you turn on your heater is because your filters are dirty. The furnace air filters are located in your unit for a reason — to filter out many contaminants from the air. If they have gotten dirty, this can be one of the reasons why you smell a burning smell when you turn on your heat. When this happens, remove them and clean them to ensure that your home is safe.

10. DAMAGED FURNACE FILTER FAN

If the furnace filter fan is not operating properly, this can cause a burning smell when it is turned on. This is because the air going to the furnace filter does not reach it because of a faulty fan.

11. DEFECTIVE FURNACE BELT

Just like any other appliance, your heater can eventually break down. When this happens, you could experience a burning smell as a result of the defective furnace belt. This is because the belt from your heater can be pulled from its mounting. If this occurs, you will smell something similar to burning rubber when you turn on your heater. If this happens, you will need to replace the belt.

12. DAMAGED FURNACE

If the furnace in your home is damaged or is not working properly, then it can be one of the possible reasons for a burning smell when you turn on your heater. This is because the heating unit has failed. If this happens, you will need to have it fixed before you can use it again. It usually works best to make sure that the furnace in your home is working correctly before using it again. Contact our experts at Air Docs Heating & Cooling for furnace repair in Vero Beach, FL, and surrounding areas for 24/7 assistance.

13. A BURNT-OUT PILOT LIGHT

If you turn on your heater and find out that the pilot light is not working, this can be one of the reasons why you are getting a burning smell. This is because the pilot light is used to ignite the heater once it has been turned on. If this happens, you will need to replace the pilot light as soon as possible.

14. A FAULTY IGNITER

If the igniter is not working properly, this is one of the causes of a burning smell when you turn on your heater. This is because this small device helps to light the fuel and ignite it. If your igniter fails, you will notice a burning smell when you turn on your heater. For this reason, it is important to make sure that this part is in good condition before using your heater again.

15. A DIRTY BURNER HEAD

If the burner head is dirty, this can be one of the reasons for a burning smell when you turn on your heater. The burner head is designed to ignite the fuel used to heat your home. If it is dirty, it will not perform at its best, and you will notice a burning smell while using your heater.

16. DIRTY OR DAMAGED HEAT EXCHANGER

The heat exchanger is a part of your heater, separating the air from the fumes released from your fuel. It is designed to make sure that you do not inhale the fumes from your fuel. If this part is dirty or damaged, it can lead to a burning smell when you turn on your heater.

17. TOO MUCH TANK OIL IN THE HEAT EXCHANGER

If your heat exchanger has too much oil in it, this can be one of the reasons why you have a burning smell when you turn on your heater. This is because the oil that remains there can catch fire and cause a burning smell while using your heater. To prevent this from happening, make sure that the oil levels in your heater get checked regularly.

The most common reasons you could be experiencing a burning smell when you turn on your heater are defective parts inside. When this happens, it is important to have our technicians repair your heater as soon as possible. We offer quick and reliable service to all customers. If you need help in AC maintenance and repair and better indoor air quality in Vero Beach, FL, and surrounding areas, contact Air Docs Heating & Cooling today.

In most places, the closer it gets to winter, the cooler the temperature becomes. When wintertime approaches, you need to start thinking about heating the inside of your home to protect against the frigid air outside.

There are several options available for heating your home. The option that’s right for you is going to vary, based on where you live and the size of your residence. Here are some great options for keeping your home warm during the winter.

SPACE HEATERS

Indoor space heaters generate a lot of discussion. On the one hand, there are people who swear by them. On the other hand, there are people who believe that the potential risk outweighs any benefit. However, when used appropriately, a space heater can play a vital role in keeping your home warm during the winter.

Space heaters are less expensive than other heating equipment. They can cost less to run than your central heating system at the same temperature. Modern space heaters are user-friendly, elegant, and easy to use. Manufacturers have done a good job at minimizing the risk of space heaters causing fire or burns. Space heaters might be a part of the overall solution for achieving optimal heating in your home.

WOOD STOVES AND FIREPLACES

Wood fireplaces are functional and can be decorative. They make a home feel pleasant. And they actually heat up the room. Some families have installed fireplaces in their living room or in another room where people gather to make it more inviting.

Fireplaces are a strong heat source. If a fireplace is centrally located in the home, the heat will quickly find its way to the rest of the house. It’s a practical heating alternative that can save money and energy. The wood is cheap, and it’s easy to store. Additionally, a fireplace engenders a sense of peace and tranquility. It makes just about any space feel warm and relaxing.

You can rely on your fireplace to provide direct heat. Or you can connect your fireplace to your home’s HVAC system and use the heat from your fireplace to transmit warmth throughout your home.

FURNACES

Furnaces are some of the most affordable home heating systems available. This doesn’t mean that furnaces are cheap, nor does this mean that you should purchase a furnace that is cheaply made. When it comes to a system that is as important to your home as your heater, you want to get something of quality.

Furnaces allow you to choose your fuel option. There are electric, propane, and natural gas furnaces. Most people opt for natural gas. It can be piped directly into the property. Electricity is the most expensive option. For people who live in areas where they don’t use a lot of heat, like Florida or Southern California, an electric furnace might end up being a cost-effective option as opposed to people who live in Wisconsin or Minnesota. People who live in colder states need to keep their home heated for a good part of the year.

One of the most attractive things about a furnace is that it’s comfortable. With a furnace, all you need to do is flip a switch and your home is warm and comfortable.

BOILERS

Boilers are hydraulic heating systems. They utilize a fuel source to heat up a fluid. In most cases, this fluid is water or glycol. The heated liquid is pumped through your heating system to different devices, like radiators, to heat your home. A boiler can also serve as a way to heat the hot water in your home. It can be used to provide hot water for your bathroom, kitchen, laundry, etc. Boiler heat does not need ductwork. It is primarily found in older homes. One unique feature of boilers is that boilers can be installed one room at a time and used only as is needed.

SOLAR HEAT

Solar heating systems can save you money, especially if you live in a cold climate that has great solar resources. In some areas, solar heat is replacing more expensive fuels, like oil, propane, and electricity. You can save additional money thanks to income tax credits, deductions, and property tax exemptions when using solar energy systems.

The cost of installing and using an active solar heating system varies from place to place. Most solar heating systems have a 10-year warranty but are realistically designed to last for decades longer. Using active solar energy can drop your fuel bill over the winter. Solar heating is good for the environment as it reduces pollution and greenhouse gases.

EASY WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HOME WARM DURING THE WINTER

Just because there are several options for keeping your home warm during the winter doesn’t mean that you want to waste energy unnecessarily to keep your home warm. Thankfully, there are some very basic things that you can do to keep your house warmer throughout the winter, thus reducing your energy costs and consumption.

For example, if you are using radiators, make sure that your furniture is not blocking the heat from effectively warming the room. If you move the couch out of the way, the room will warm up faster and you will spend less on energy.

Another tip for radiator users is that if your radiator is attached to an external wall, take some aluminum foil and put it behind the radiator. The aluminum foil is naturally reflective. This will stop the heat from traveling through the wall and reflect it back to the room.

Another simple option is to use rugs. Rugs keep your feet warm, especially if you have tile or hardwood floors. Additionally, they add style to any room.

Close the dampers. Some ductwork has dampers that adjust airflow. Look for the handles on the ductwork and markings that indicate which way the damper valve should be pointed during the winter. The damper handle should be parallel to the ductwork for maximum airflow during the winter.

Finally, keep your furnace clean. If you are having heating trouble, change the filter. In most cases, the problem will disappear.

GET FAMILIAR WITH YOUR HEATING OPTIONS

This is just a brief description of the different heating options available. Not all options are going to work well in all homes. However, it’s a good idea to become familiar with each style. It’s best to find out what is going to fit your comfort needs, your home, and your budget.

At Air Docs Heating & Cooling, we help homeowners in Vero Beach, FL, with their heating and air conditioning needs. We install, repair, and maintain heating and air conditioning systems. We have been helping residents in our area since 2012 and are committed to providing quality service that our customers can rely on.

Are you worried that your heating system may not be up to snuff come winter? Don’t worry another minute. Contact us at Air Docs Heating & Cooling today. We will help you keep your home and your family warm during the winter months.