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Author: Air Docs

4 Steps To Prepare AC For Winter

Your AC is a lifesaver during the hot summer months. However, many homeowners don’t know how to prepare your AC for winter months, or even that they should. A few protective steps can keep your air conditioner in top working condition so that it will power on next year as it is supposed to.

1. CLEAN THE UNIT

The fall season probably dumped a ton of debris on your lawn and yard. It also did the same to your outdoor AC unit. Take your water hose and rinse off all leaves, droppings, dirt, and anything else that has piled onto your unit. Some debris may remain. Use a brush or specialty tool to get the rest of it out.

2. GET FOAM

Just as your water pipes can freeze during the cold season, so can your AC lines, even if you only get a freeze one day in the whole year. You may install foam pipe covers around any exposed pipes or hoses. Just cut the foam to fit the length and diameter. The foaming helps protect against freezing temperatures and even other hazards. You may also wrap duct tape around the foam to keep them in place.

3. SHOULD I COVER MY AC IN THE WINTER?

They sell covers for outdoor air conditioning units. Does that mean you should buy them? In most cases, no. Most modern air conditioning units are built to withstand harsh cold temperatures. Those of us who live in Florida and other warm climates don’t see much freezing weather if any. Therefore, we don’t need to cover our ac units during winter. However, those of you with older models or in colder areas may indeed need to protect the unit itself from freezing temperatures. Be sure to check your owner’s manual or a professional AC technician. You may read more here.

4. GET AC MAINTENANCE BEFORE CYCLING BACK ON

Finally, you should have your air conditioning maintenance performed before you cycle it back on. The best time is at the end of the cold season and before the hot summer months. Yearly maintenance at this time ensures the AC will be there when you need it. It also ensures the unit will run well for the summer, as well as it its peak efficiency

PREPARE AC FOR WINTER IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

Those of you who live in Vero Beach or the surrounding areas has a leading choice when it comes to AC service providers. Air Docs Heating & Cooling is a locally owned company that aims to improve the performance of all cooling units in Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere, Palm Bay, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and more. We are happy to come to your property and prepare your AC for winter, as well as many other related services. Feel free to contact us to schedule your visit today.

Don’t Fall For These 3 Air Conditioning Scams

Most homeowners aren’t familiar with the ups and downs of their AC and heating system. As a result, they tend to be more susceptible to air conditioning scams. Unfortunately, you can’t simply rely on someone’s word. But when an emergency happens, they can get desperate and lower their standards for the first available contractor. We will show you how to avoid this below.

1. DON’T FALL FOR “LIMITED-TIME” SPECIALS

Yes, some HVAC providers offer specials. However, they will let you know clearly when their promotions are running. Air conditioning scammers will give you an unreasonably short timeline to agree to their services. The special deal may expire at the end of the day or even in a few hours. They may even give you the old “I can come back, but it will cost you more” line. This is the true sign of an air conditioning scam.

You also want your work done ASAP, especially in the case of an emergency. We recommend you have a trusted HVAC company on your speed dial for just such occasions.

2. AIR CONDITIONING BILL SCAM

You get a call saying your behind on your power bill and big trouble is coming. You panic. Did you pay the last bill? Was there a mix-up? What can happen? Unfortunately, this is often a scam. Those of you who are truly behind on your power bills would get the mail and/or email notices of late payment. You would probably also get a service cut-off notice, as many states require these by law. However, if you are unsure, hang up with the current call and jot down all of their information. Then call your power company directly. Never pay over the phone. It could cost you thousands as it did here.

3. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Is the estimate provided to you too good to be true? It probably is. The HVAC industry has certain standards for even passable parts and labor, which also includes the cost of insurance and others that we have to pay before we can legitimately call ourselves an HVAC company. Low estimates indicate cut corners. Or worse, they indicate a 0% chance that your work will be completed to industry standards or at all. The best way to ensure your estimate isn’t too low (or too high) is to get at least one more estimate. A second opinion is essential, not just for medical issues, but for HVAC ones. Especially if you need major cooling or heating work done.

AVOID AIR CONDITIONING SCAMS IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

Those of you who live in Vero Beach or the surrounding areas has a leading choice when it comes to HVAC providers. Air Docs Heating & Cooling is a locally owned company that aims to improve the performance of all properties in Vero Beach, Fellsmere, Sebastian, Palm Bay, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and more. We are happy to come to your property and prepare an estimate that is good for the long haul and outlines all the details. Feel free to contact us to schedule your visit today.

AC Maintenance Tips: 3 Best Air Filters

You need fresh air cycling through your property. An important part of AC maintenance is using the best air filters for your needs. Did you know airborne pollution inside the property can be up to five times higher than outdoors? A good air filter reduces the pollutants to help you breathe easier, as well as help your HVAC system perform better. Read on to get our recommendations.

WHAT IS A MERV RATING FOR AIR FILTERS?

The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value indicates an air filter’s ability to capture air particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). It was created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers. Basically, the larger the MERV rating, the better the air filter is at trapping certain types of particles. The ratings go from 1 all the way to 16. Those of you looking to eliminate certain types of particles, such as hair, dander, dust, etc. should look for an air filter designed to catch it.

Learn more about MERV ratings from the Environmental Protection Agency

1. BEST AIR FILTER AT HOME DEPOT

Currently, there is only one air filter to get a 5-star rating at Home Depot. It is the Elite Allergen Reduction FPR 10 Air Filter. Keep in mind that Home Depot uses their own FPR rating to rate air filters that range from 4-5 for the most basic that captures pollen, mold, and pet dander. FPRs go up to 12 and also capture smoke, odors, and much more. The system is useful for helping you purchase what is right for your needs.

2. CONSUMER REPORTS BEST AIR CONDITIONER FILTER

Consumer Reports is a trusted online and in print publication ranking all sorts of products. These include air filters. Those of you who use 1-inch thick air filters will enjoy the Filtrete 1900 Maximum Allergen Reduction filter. It is an excellent choice for those of you who run your air conditioner at high speeds. Those of you who need air filters with four or more inches of depth will enjoy the Aprilaire Healthy Home 213 MERV 13 which works well with both high and low fan speeds. Each of these filters is reasonably priced for its performance.

3. BEST AC FILTER FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS

Those of you who suffer from allergies and want to spare no cost should consider the 3M Filtrete Ultrafine. It is a “hospital grade” air filter great for those living in areas with allergies or areas with poor air quality. The filters cost around $55, making it one of the most expensive choices out there. It traps smaller contaminants than most filters and can even help remove airborne pathogens.

BEST AIR FILTERS FOR VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

Air Docs Heating & Cooling is a locally owned company that aims to improve the AC performance of all properties in Vero Beach, Fellsmere, Sebastian, Palm Bay, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and the surrounding areas. Feel free to contact us to schedule your $85 air conditioner maintenance today that includes air filter services.

4 Reasons To Get AC Maintenance Now

The heat of summer will soon be upon us. You need to get AC maintenance now to help your unit face the large burden it will have to fulfill within the coming months. We’ll show you why it is essential below.

1. IT SAVES YOU MONEY

An air conditioning maintenance costs about $100 on average. Here at Air Docs Heating & Cooling’s it only costs $85. However, you can recoup some or all of that cost over the coming months with one act of maintenance. It allows your unit to perform better and with less energy. You know the power bill for your home or business is sure to rise as the heat does. The main reason is associated with the extra use of your air conditioner. If maintenance saves even 10% of that, it can be well worth the money.

2. IT INCREASES LIFESPAN

An air conditioner that works cleaner does not have to work harder. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your unit by years by cleaning out parts that get clogged and put extra strain on the unit. Air conditioners can also form leaks from time to time. These leaks can cause damage to your home, yard, and even the unit itself – especially if left unattended. Good maintenance will catch and prevent all of this.

IT’S EASY

YOUR AIR CONDITIONING MAINTENANCE TECH WILL SPEND A FEW HOURS IN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS WORKING ON THE UNIT. THEY WILL SPEND TIME ON BOTH THE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR UNITS. A GOOD AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE JOB SHOULD INCLUDE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING.
  • Cleaning or replacing filters if necessary.
  • Inspecting coolant levels and pressure.
  • Inspection of wiring, capacitors, contacts, and relays.
  • Amperage and voltage testing.
  • Cleaning of the condenser, coils, etc.
  • Flushing condensate drain.
  • Inspection of outdoor disconnect, condenser fan motor, and blades, and belt condition.
  • Startup compressor and inspect.

GET AC MAINTENANCE NOW IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

Air Docs Heating & Cooling HVAC Services is a locally owned company that aims to improve the air conditioner performance of all properties in Vero Beach, Fellsmere, Sebastian, Palm Bay, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and the surrounding areas. Feel free to contact us to schedule your $85 air conditioner maintenance today.

Will Improving Air Quality Kill Coronavirus?

The type of coronavirus known as COVID-19 has become a serious health concern across the nation as well as here in Vero Beach, Florida. But will the right HVAC measures such as improving air quality kill Coronavirus? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned that the virus can be caught through the air. As a result, many people are taking steps to protect themselves and their properties from exposure in any way they can.

AIR QUALITY AND DISEASE

Many people who suffer from allergies and other forms of respiratory disease use advanced air filters and purifiers to improve their properties. These devices work by drawing in air, filtering it, and then releasing the cleaner air back into the system. Many air purifiers come with HEPA ratings or High-efficiency particulate air. They have been found to capture up to 99% of pollutants in the air including pollen, mold, and pet dander. They even come in different sizes to target particular hazards.

AIR PURIFIERS ALSO WORK IN A SIMILAR MANNER TO CLEAN THE AIR. THEY CAN COME IN MANY DIFFERENT FORMS AND SIZES FROM PLUGIN UNITS FOR SMALL ROOMS TO WHOLE-HOME SYSTEMS. AIR PURIFIERS COME IN MANY DIFFERENT TYPES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
  • HEPA Air Purifiers
  • Carbon Filter Air Purifiers
  • Ionic Air Purifiers
  • Air Purifier and Humidifier Combinations
  • UV Light Air Purifiers
  • Some indoor plants can even work as air purifiers.

BUT WILL IMPROVING AIR QUALITY KILL CORONAVIRUS IF I USE THE RIGHT AIR FILTER OR AIR PURIFIER?

In short, improving your air quality is unlikely to kill the Coronavirus, especially since we don’t know enough about it. More tests and units need to be performed. Even if such a unit existed, the virus would have to pass through the filter and/or purifier in order to be contained. However, there are units that claim to kill germs and have anti-bacterial properties. For example, this air purifying unit made by Guardian Technology claims to have a UV light that “helps kill airborne viruses such as influenza, staph, rhinovirus” and other volatile organic compounds.

AIR QUALITY IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

Air Docs Heating & Cooling HVAC Services is a locally owned company that aims to improve the air quality of people’s property in Vero Beach, Fellsmere, Sebastian, Palm Bay, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and the surrounding areas. Feel free to contact us to learn more about how we can help you.