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The Effects of Not Cleaning Your Ducts and Vents

Ducts and vents can become clogged over time, if not properly maintained. In this Air Doc’s of the Treasure Coast blog post, we’ll discuss the effects of not getting proper duct cleaning in Vero Beach, FL.

Your ducts and vents are important parts of your HVAC system and should be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, they can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris, which can lead to decreased air quality in your home or office. Not only is this bad for your health, but it can also cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, leading to increased energy costs.

There are a few different ways to clean your ducts and vents, but the best way is to hire professional duct cleaning in Vero Beach, FL. Licensed HVAC technicians have the tools and experience necessary to carry out this task.

If you haven’t had your ducts and vents cleaned in a while, or if you’ve never had them cleaned at all, now is the time to do it. A professional duct cleaning company like Air Doc’s of the Treasure Coast can help remove all the dirt, dust, and debris that’s built up over time, and restore proper airflow to your home or office.

How to Clean Your AC Filter

Although air conditioner filters are often overlooked, they play an essential role. Filters keep your indoor air quality healthy by blocking dust, dirt, and debris from getting into the air you breathe. And, as you start to spend more time indoors as the season changes, keeping healthy indoor air quality becomes a necessity.

When your filter is clogged, your AC unit will likely work much harder to pump air, using more electricity and reducing your unit’s lifespan. This means that cleaning them throughout the year is vital not only for your health, but also for your wallet. Luckily, washable air filters are now more common than ever, and the process of cleaning them is easy.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN AN AIR CONDITIONER FILTER?

According to experts, HVAC maintenance should be done once or twice a year. Filters, however, are a different question altogether. Ideally, filters should be cleaned on a monthly basis. Furthermore, it’s recommended to do this more frequently if you live in highly polluted areas, such as urban areas or if you live near highways or construction areas.

With filter maintenance, a visual inspection is the easiest way to determine how often you should perform a cleaning. If you start noticing clear signs of dust buildup on your filter, then it’s high time for another clean-up. To provide some guidance, we’ve made this step-by-step guide on cleaning your air conditioner’s filter. However, note this guide only applies to units with washable or reusable filters. If your unit uses disposable filters, you’ll have to replace them in lieu of cleaning.

STEP ONE: SHUT THE POWER OFF

First, make sure your unit is properly turned off. This step should also apply whenever you perform any type of servicing on your air conditioner. This will not only ensure your safety but also stop your air conditioner from experiencing any potential damage. As an extra precaution, you can also completely unplug your unit from the power outlet.

STEP TWO: IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF THE AC FILTER

The exact location of your filter will depend on the type of HVAC system that you have. Usually, units house their filters just near the cold air return, typically found either close to the floor or near the ceiling. If your house has a basement, then the component is usually found there. However, if you don’t have a basement, it will typically be in the garage or some other type of storage room.

In other cases, you may also have a few filters behind return vents scattered around the house. If you’re in doubt, then it’s a good idea to call your air conditioner’s manufacturer and ask where the filter can be found.

STEP THREE: CHECK THE FILTER’S CONDITION

Once you’ve located where the filter is, unscrew the vent cover or release the handle to remove the filter. Gently slide it out to make sure it doesn’t get damaged, and then give it a thorough look over. If you can see any grayness, discoloration, or visible surface dust on the filter, then it’s time to clean.

STEP FOUR: VACUUM THE FILTER

To start cleaning the filter, use a vacuum with a bristled attachment to remove all the dust that’s caked onto the filter. Take your time with the vacuum to make sure you get all the dust removed from your AC’s filters by cleaning both sides. You may need to empty the vacuum cleaner for increased power to ensure you get all of the dust removed from the filters.

STEP FIVE: SOAK THE FILTER IN A 50/50 MIXTURE OF WATER AND VINEGAR

Before performing this step, make sure you contact your manufacturer or read your AC’s manual. Sometimes, the instructions will be directly printed onto your air conditioner. This step is important because some air conditioner filters are simply not designed to get wet. You want to avoid creating any damage that could lead to costly repairs to your unit.

Once you’ve checked and confirmed that the filter is water-friendly, make a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar and soak the filter in it for about an hour. The acidic nature of vinegar is powerful enough to dissolve mineral deposits, grime, grease, and dirt. In fact, it’s even strong enough to kill bacteria.

After soaking the filter in the mixture, run it under your bathtub faucet or handheld shower to rinse it with clean water. Make sure you use warm water as well, as this will remove the remaining debris and rinse your filter from any vinegar smell and residue. Do this until the filter is spotless, but make sure the water pressure is not too intense as this can rip through the filter material and damage it.

STEP SIX: LET THE FILTER DRY COMPLETELY

After washing the air filter, let it dry thoroughly. Consult the AC instructions for any particular or specific steps you have to take. Lay the filter against the side of the bathtub or a wall for a few hours to dry it without damaging the filter’s grille. However, make sure you flip it over midway through the drying process.

If you need to use the air conditioner sooner than expected, you can also use a hairdryer set to “cool” to increase the filter’s drying. However, take note that hotter temperatures can burn or damage the filter, so be careful when using one.

STEP SEVEN: REINSTALL THE FILTER

Once you have thoroughly cleaned the filter and dried it, reinstall it. Usually, most filters have an arrow that indicates which way they are supposed to face. Note that this arrow needs to point in the direction of your air conditioner’s airflow.

Afterward, simply plug the air conditioner back in, and voila! You’re done. Now that you know these steps, simply follow them whenever it’s time to clean your air filter.

TOP-NOTCH HOME SERVICE AT A NON-PREMIUM PRICE

When was the last time that your AC was cleaned and maintained in Vero Beach or the Treasure Coast area? While they are engineered to last, proper AC clean-up and maintenance are critical to making sure your AC functions remain optimal. Our staff at Air Docs of the Treasure Coast can help keep your AC clean.

Striving to serve our local neighbors diligently, we offer affordable pricing for quality heating and air conditioning services, including repairs, installations, preventative maintenance, and more. In addition, we also provide indoor air quality and air purification services because you deserve to breathe nothing but clean air.

With highly skilled and certified technicians and a can-do attitude, Air Docs of the Treasure Coast in Vero Beach and the surrounding Treasure Coast area is committed to making your home more comfortable without charging you excessively high fees. If you’re concerned about your indoor air quality, get peace of mind by hiring one of our experienced technicians to perform your annual AC checkup. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can be of service.

A Guide To Air Quality In The Treasure Coast

We at Air Docs of the Treasure Coast encourage everyone to get involved in seeking cleaner, healthier air for their homes and businesses. In addition to many health benefits, clean air is just more pleasant to have around you. As such, here is our guide to air quality on the Treasure Coast and beyond.

1. STATS ON AIR QUALITY

BEFORE WE GET STARTED, IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE STATISTICS REGARDING AIR QUALITY. HERE ARE A FEW CHOICE TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPA:
  • Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. Those of us who live in hot, humid weather may be indoors even more often.
  • Unfortunately, people who are more susceptible to poor air quality tend to spend even more time indoors. This includes the elderly, young, and those with allergies or illness.
  • The concentrations of some pollutants indoors can be up to two to five times higher than that of the outdoors.
  • Some of the most common indoor pollutants are dust, dander, smoke, pesticides, odors of all kinds, and even mold in addition to possibly other hazardous organic compounds.

2. SIMPLE WAYS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

First and foremost, you may check your daily air quality forecast to see if your area is experiencing poor air quality. Click here to get a real-time map of the air quality in the Treasure Coast and other areas in Florida. Avoid the outdoors when possible if the air quality is poor. You may also conserve energy in your home, as each appliance tends to harm your air quality in a small or large measure. Don’t burn items such as trash, leaves, or other items.

3. ADVANCED WAYS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

The above is mostly common sense and inconveniences. However, there are many other ways to improve air quality, such as routinely replacing air filters in your air conditioner, heater, and any other HVAC device. You may also try an air purifier, but those have limitations. For example, they are designed to only work within a couple of hundred square feet or the size of a bedroom. We do recommend you consider these options to get professional air quality:

  • In-Duct Air Purifier – These types of air purifiers are specifically designed to meet the needs of each home or business in which they will be installed. Unlike plugin air purifiers, they work constantly and consistently to clean the entire indoors, not just a specific area.
  • Duct Cleaning – Your poor air quality may be the result of buildup in your ductwork. No matter how much you clean your HVAC unit or replace the filter, contaminants eventually enter the ductwork. They build over time and need to be cleaned.
  • Duct Replacement – When cleaning isn’t enough, it may be time to replace your ductwork to improve your air quality.
  • Adding Return or Supply Vents – Your initial HVAC system may not be set up correctly and need some tweaking to help it work correctly.

MORE ON AIR QUALITY IN THE TREASURE COAST

Those of you who live in Vero Beach or the surrounding areas has a leading option when it comes to your air quality. Air Docs of the Treasure Coast is a locally owned company that aims to improve the air quality of all properties in the Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere, Palm Bay, Fort Pierce, and Port St. Lucie areas. We are happy to come to your property and give our expert opinion on your air quality, as well as many other HVAC services. Feel free to contact our team to schedule a visit at your convenience.

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 of the Treasure Coast 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.

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 of the Treasure Coast 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.