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With our minds occupied with work deadlines, bills to pay, kids to take care of, and other everyday worries, it becomes easy to forget a task as simple as changing an AC filter. Well, the truth is, no matter how busy you are, your home’s air filter has to be at the top of your priorities.
A neglected filter can make life unbearable at home, take money out of your pocket, and even bring your entire AC unit crumbling down. Let’s find out exactly what happens when you don’t replace your air filter.
 
First, How Does a Filter Work?
Made of pleated paper or fibrous material, an AC air filter is installed in the return air of your unit and acts as a barrier that traps particles and impurities. It prevents contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold, pet hair, and even fumes from circulating indoors.
Here are five harmful effects of not changing your air filter regularly:
 
Unreasonably High Energy Bills
One of the early signs of an ignored air filter is a swelling energy bill. Simply put, a clogged AC filter reduces the airflow to your HVAC system and causes it to work harder. This means the unit needs to draw more energy to run, costing you more money. A clean AC filter can reduce your energy consumption by up to 15%.
 
Decreased Comfort
Another consequence of a dirty air filter is reduced comfort levels. The dirt buildup in the filter means refreshing cool air won’t pass through it, making your AC struggle to regulate temperatures. So, remember to replace your air filter before your home’s comfort levels begin to drop. In case the problem persists, work with a licensed HVAC technician to investigate the root of the problem.
 
Poor Indoor Air Quality
If you are suddenly suffering more allergy attacks when you spend time indoors, your air filter might be behind your woes. When it’s clogged, dirt, dust, and other pollutants accumulate in your ductwork and can easily leak into the air you breathe. Again, when air isn’t moving as it should be, those harmful particles that the filter should trap will float around your home, contaminating your indoor air.
 
Frequent HVAC Failures
Changing your air filter frequently is part of a preventative maintenance routine. If you ignore this step, you’re exposing the entire AC unit to damages. First, a dirty filter may cause the evaporator coils to freeze, restricting airflow. This can lead to a total system failure and a high repair bill. Another problem is short cycling, where the AC turns off and on repeatedly, causing undue strain on your unit and posing a fire hazard.
 
Reduced Life Expectancy
When a filthy air filter overworks your HVAC unit, it causes wear and tear on different components and ultimately degrades the entire system. The standard HVAC system is expected to last between 15 and 20 years, but constantly neglecting your filters can shave 5-10 years off its lifespan. Imagine a $40 filter costing you a premature AC replacement that hovers around $4,000 to $13,000?
 
Partner with a Reputable HVAC Expert
As we’ve seen above, there is a lot that can go wrong if you don’t change your air conditioner filter. So make sure you replace the filter at least once every three months. If you aren’t sure of what type of filter to use and how to change one, you can always consult Veteran Air Conditioning.
We are trustworthy, reliable, and experienced HVAC specialists operating in Sarasota and Bradenton, FL. Whether you need some expert HVAC advice or to schedule a tune-up, feel free to reach out, and we will help you improve your indoor air quality!

All drains get clogged over time, whether they are located in the kitchen or bathroom. A buildup of soap, food waste, debris, hair, mineral deposits, and lodged objects may be inevitable, but what matters is how fast you address the clog.
Sadly, we tend to ignore the problem, expecting the obstruction in the drain to clear itself. What we don’t realize is that a clogged drain is more than an annoyance. If left unattended, it has long-lasting consequences on your home, family, and finances. Here are reasons why you should repair clogged drains immediately.

Plumbing System Damage
A buildup of objects puts extra pressure on the pipes connected to your sink, tub, and garbage disposal. When this pressure is combined with that of stagnated water, it causes the pipes to crack, burst or wear. Sadly, the leaks don’t always get noticed on time and can easily damage surrounding areas. Even if the pipes don’t crack, they get weakened, diminishing their lifespan.

A Clog may Cause Structural Damage to the Home
A clogged drain is bad news for your home. When you try to force water through an obstructed drain, the water backs up, finds cracks, and leaks in the surrounding area. If it happens to pool around your foundation, it will weaken its structural integrity. This endangers your family and costs you thousands of dollars in rebuilding expenses. In extreme cases, a drain clog can cause a flood, leading to costly losses if it soaks your electronics, appliances, or furniture.

Prevent Water Contamination and other Health Risks
A functional drain prevents the growth of harmful bacteria inside your pipes as it washes away all the unwanted waste that may harbor bacteria. When you decide to live with a slow drain, it means you are offering dangerous bacteria perfect breeding ground. And if the trapped wastewater overflows and reach your sink, it will introduce disease-causing microbes to your home. Whenever you encounter a stubborn clog, hire a qualified plumber to keep your family safe from water-borne illnesses.

Bad Odors
A drain that is in perfect condition not only flushes away bacteria but also prevents sewer-like smells from being released into your home. The bacteria living and feeding off the waste buildup is what causes the smell. These unpleasant odors can cause extreme discomfort to everyone at home, prevent you from carrying out routine chores around the sink, and even embarrass you when you have guests around. Foul odors have also been known to cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, and irritability in the eyes, nose, and throat.
Pests and Mold
Pests thrive where the is plenty of food and water, and most prefer to live near stagnant water. A blocked drain that isn’t fixed on time will attract critters and other pests as it offers a constant food and water supply. Mosquitoes can also breed on the water leaks around blocked drains. Even worse, the moistness created by drain pipe leaks may promote mold growth on walls and other hidden areas.
Aesthetic Damage
Nobody likes the look of water stains and discoloration on walls and other surfaces. When water backs up and overflows due to blockages, it could stain the walls around your sink and bathroom. Don’t let a clogged drain compromise the aesthetic strengths of your living space.

Call a Trusted Sarasota Plumber to Clear Out Your Clogged Drains
Instead of using acidic chemical drain cleaners that may corrode your pipes, contact a qualified plumber in Sarasota or Bradenton, FL to resolve your drain blockage. At Veteran Air & Plumbing, we have a team of fully licensed and insured plumbers who will promptly respond to any of your plumbing issues. Call us today, and we will take care of your clog swiftly and effectively.

A thermostat is the face of your home’s comfort. It lets you manage your home’s temperature without breaking a sweat. But not all thermostats are created equal. Older models are a pain to operate, and if you neglect them, they could drastically increase your home’s energy consumption.
So, when you want more control of your home’s temperature without having to set things manually, a programmable thermostat is the way to go. In this post, we’re going to learn what programmable thermostats are, their benefits, and how to get the most out of one.
And if you need help choosing, installing, or setting a thermostat, reach out to our friendly and qualified HVAC experts in Sarasota.
Let’s get started.
 
What’s a Programmable Thermostat?
First, what’s a thermostat? In a home setting, a thermostat is a device that regulates temperatures by switching heating or cooling devices on and off when the temperature exceeds or falls below the desired setting. On the other hand, a programmable thermostat is a more advanced thermostat designed to regulate the temperature based on a pre-set schedule.
 
Why Buy a Programmable Thermostat?
Swapping out a manual thermostat for a programmable one comes with tremendous benefits. Here are some of them:
 
It Will Save you Money
The primary benefit of installing a programmable thermostat is it reduces your home’s energy consumption, helping you save money. And it does that without sacrificing comfort levels. By allowing you to preset the exact temperature you want for the hot or cold season, it makes sure you maximize your savings. Not just that, you can feed it a plan that follows your family routine, ensuring you have the ideal temperature when you’re at home and lowering energy usage when you’re away.
 
It Requires Less Intervention
Adjusting a manual thermostat every time you arrive home, before bed, or each time before you leave the house isn’t fun at all. With a programmable thermostat, you don’t have to deal with such a tedious process. It will drastically reduce the time spend in front a thermostat, allowing you to focus on the things that matter more.
 
Optimizes Your Home’s HVAC System
A programmable thermostat allows your heating and cooling unit to operate within the ideal temperatures. This stops your system from overworking, reducing wear and tear, and extending its lifespan. By carefully programming it, you can also decrease the amount of time it needlessly runs.
 
High Tech Options
The latest thermostats don’t even require you to be near the device to program it. Known as smart thermostats, these devices are WiFi-enabled, allowing you to adjust temperatures remotely. Others will study your routine and figure out the best time to turn on the AC or heating system. Some models go a step farther and alert you when you need an air filter change or the best time to schedule HVAC maintenance.
 
How to Get the Most From Your Programmable Thermostat
 

Plan Before You Program – Before you program your thermostat, take some time to think about your family’s schedule and the comfort levels that are ideal for you. This will help you avoid wasting money on running the HVAC at periods where nobody’s home.

Protect Your Settings – Once you program your thermostat, leave it alone. Most homeowners tinker with the settings frequently, which diminishes the thermostat’s ability to minimize energy costs.

Avoid Wild Fluctuations – When you’re not home, only set with a difference of five degrees from the recommended energy-saving temperature. This way, your unit won’t have to work too hard to create a comfortable environment when you’re almost home.

 
Got a Question? Talk to a Certified Heating and Cooling Specialist
If you want to buy a programmable thermostat and aren’t sure what to pick, talk to the pros at Veteran Air Conditioning. Our licensed and insured HVAC technicians will help you make an informed choice and assist you with the installation. Call us anytime, and we will help you develop an energy-efficient plan for your household!

Much like a car needs regular maintenance to ensure that it operates efficiently, your air conditioning unit needs scheduled tune-ups to deliver the desired comfort levels, lower your power bills and extend its lifespan. But instead of paying for individual tune-up visits and repairs, you can get a maintenance agreement for your air conditioning system. 
So, what exactly is an AC maintenance agreement? And what should you know about them? Read on to discover.
What is an AC Maintenance Agreement?
An air conditioning maintenance agreement is an agreement between a homeowner and an AC company, in which the service provider agrees to perform all tune-ups of the unit for a specified period at an agreed fee. Essentially, this agreement ensures that your AC system is always in tip-top shape, and you don’t have to wait till it breaks down to contact an AC technician.
What’s Included in an Air Conditioning Maintenance Agreement?
AC maintenance agreement come in different forms and shapes, and you need to know what’s included in one before you sign on the dotted lines. A typical residential air conditioner maintenance agreement consists of the following:
Components to be Maintained – The agreement has a list of all AC components that will be serviced. So you might want to familiarize yourself with some of the common AC terms. If there are parts you don’t find on this list, ask to see if the company can customize the contract.
Number of Visits – The agreement states the frequency of maintenance visits. Some companies offer an annual maintenance visit, while others recommend bi-annual maintenance’s. Make sure the company keeps track of scheduling to ensure the service is completed at the appropriate time.
Tasks to be Performed – It has a list of the work to be covered. These tasks include:

Changing or cleaning air filters

Checking for adequate refrigerant charge

Identifying potential future part failure’s

Inspecting electrical connections

Looking for wear and tear on the unit

Cleaning the coils

Check the condensation drain for blockage and cleaning it

Lubricating the motors and checking the belts

Assessing the accuracy of your thermostat 

Since different AC brands and models have different servicing requirements, it’s important you only work with licensed and experienced AC technicians to ensure they’re familiar with your unit. Also, keep in mind most agreements don’t cover repairs for issues that might be discovered in the AC tune-up. 
Payment Terms – Pricing varies from company to company. Go through the payment details and make sure it clearly states how and when payments will be made. It’s up to you to decide whether it offers enough value. To determine this, compare it to other agreements provided by companies that cover the same items and perform similar tasks.
Additional Perks – Apart from the essential services, some contracts also come with extra perks that regular customers don’t get to enjoy. Perks range from priority AC service when you have a breakdown, lower labor charge to discounts on parts not covered by the warranty.
Benefits of an AC Maintenance Agreement
Why should you consider signing an air conditioning maintenance agreement? What do you have to gain?

Better AC Performance – regular preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid AC problems and unlock all the benefits of a well-maintained air conditioner.

Longer AC Lifespan – The agreement helps you keep up with regular maintenance like clockwork, ensuring problems are identified and fixed on time, extending your AC’s life.

More Savings – An efficient AC will cut down your energy bill, and frequent tune-ups will prevent costly damages associated with a neglected unit.

Priority Service – You’ll get preferential treatment when you need an unscheduled AC repair visit.

 
Get a Homeowner-Friendly AC Maintenance Agreement from Veteran Air Conditioning
To keep your home comfortable all year round without worrying about scheduling AC tune-ups, Veteran Air Conditioning is ready to take care of all your AC maintenance needs. We are a professional company offering unparalleled air conditioning services in Sarasota and Bradenton, FL, and all our technicians have up-to-date licenses and insurance.
Whether you need AC service or repairs, feel free to get in touch with us!

Around 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Some of us also experience allergy flare-ups when we stay indoors for extended periods. While there is no single solution to the problem, an air conditioner may hold some secrets that can give you relief from allergies. Let’s go through some common allergens and see how your air conditioning system can help.
Common Allergens and Symptoms
 
Allergy triggers exist outside and inside our homes. While most seasonal allergens appear around spring when plants release pollen, indoor allergens come from multiple sources—pet hair and dander, dust mites, pest droppings, indoor plants, mold, fibers from synthetic fabrics, cleaning products, gases from running appliances, and chemicals present in building material.
 
And don’t forget that seasonal allergens also make their way into your home. Allergy symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, dry skin, a runny nose, and ear congestion. If not addressed, allergies can also cause breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, and severe fatigue.
 
How Air Conditioning Systems Help With Allergies
 
Whether your allergy flares up on specific seasons or when you’re relaxing at home, your air conditioner can dramatically change your indoor air quality and subsequently help you breathe allergen-free air. But the secret lies in the filter. It should have a MERV rating of at least 8, be inspected monthly, and be replaced every three months.
 
So, how does the AC help? First, the air conditioner unit uses the air filter to sift all the air coming into your home, trapping pollen, tiny particles, and other pollutants. Second, an air conditioner controls humidity indoors, denying mold and fungus the environment it needs to grow. Third, with an air conditioner circulating fresh air indoors, you won’t need to open the window during the sweltering days. That means pollen and other allergens won’t find an opening to get inside your home.
 
Tips To Use Your AC Unit To Alleviate Allergies
To get the best out of your air conditioner, follow these tips:
 

Get the Right Filter – As mentioned above, the air filter plays a big role in purifying indoor air. If you experience allergies, you can’t afford to skimp on filters. Apart from a MERV-rated filter, you can opt for an electrostatic filter, which attracts and traps pollutants using an electric charge, or a HEPA filter, which has been shown to collect up to 99.97% of allergens.

Replace Your Air Filters – Regardless of how effective your air filter is, it won’t last forever. It should be replaced every three months. If you neglect it, it will get clogged, impacting your indoor air quality, and force your AC unit to work harder, driving up your energy bill. If you have an electrostatic filter, inspect and wash it frequently.

Schedule Air Duct Cleaning – Your duct system plays a critical role in improving indoor air quality. With time contaminants build up inside them, and they may leak through the vents and pollute the air. While cleaning them frequently isn’t necessary, you should schedule a ductwork cleanup every few years.

Use an Air Purifier to Clear the Air – Don’t let your AC system do all the hard work. Reduce some of its workload by adding an air purifier. These gadgets are effective in eliminating different types of contaminants such as dust, bacteria, and germs.

 
Keep Your AC Well maintained to Enjoy its Health Benefits
 
To beat allergies and keep your family safe from indoor pollution-related illnesses, partner with an HVAC technician to perform an AC tune-up at least once a year. This will ensure your AC runs efficiently, keeping your indoor air pure. Veteran Air Conditioning is an established HVAC company in Sarasota, offering unmatched AC and heating services. Whether you need an HVAC repair, an AC upgrade, or a regular check-up, feel free to contact us!  

A clogged toilet is a huge inconvenience, and it just seems to happen at the worst moments. To avoid embarrassing overflows and wastewater spills around your bathroom floor, you need to spring into action. Yes, unblocking a toilet is never fun, but it’s better than dealing with a messy floor. Here’s how you can unclog a toilet and prevent a standstill in your household. 
                                                 
Clear the Toilet Clog With a Plunger
A toilet plunger is the go-to option for most homeowners whenever they encounter a clogged toilet. It can quickly solve 9 out of 10 blockages, and it’s affordable and simple to use. Follow these steps:

Wear some gloves.

If the toilet isn’t overflowing or about to overflow, add water inside the bowl until it’s half full.

Lower the plunger into the toilet bowl and position its cup around the outside of the bowl hole.

Gently push the plunger down to get a good seal.

Now pump the plunger down and up vigorously around six times while still sustaining the seal.

This pressure will loosen any obstruction and allow water to flow down the drain. If it partially unclogs it, repeat the process until the clog loosens.
 
Try the Vinegar and Baking Soda Method
If you don’t have a plunger at hand, you can always try a homemade unclogging solution before you call a professional plumber. A mixture of vinegar and baking soda isn’t only effective in cleaning blocked sink and shower drains, but it’s also an excellent natural solution for unblocking toilets. Here’s what to do:

Take one cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar and slowly pour them into the toilet bowl.

Let the mixture fizz and work the clog for half an hour.

The process will create a chemical reaction that dissolves the clog.

You can also follow up with hot soapy water to lubricate the drain and loosen the build-up.

If the clog persists after several attempts, move on to a different technique.

Note that this method doesn’t work on hard objects blocking the drain, such as toys.

 
Use a Plumbing Snake
A toilet snake, also called an auger, is a flexible wire cable designed to fit into the bowl hole, snake through the p-shaped curves, and clear obstructions in the drain. Make sure you use a toilet-specific drain snake to avoid damaging the porcelain. Follow these steps:

Slowly insert the end of the cable into the toilet hole while moving it from side to side until you feel an obstruction.

Twist and push the snake around to break up the clog. Do this until you feel the drain is free.

Now flush the toilet to see whether the water will drain normally.

Note that you should never use a cloth hanger as an alternative, as it will scratch the bowl surface.

 
Call a Qualified Sarasota Plumber If the Problem Persists
Toilet blockages don’t have to be a nightmare. With the above methods, you can take care of the business in just a few minutes and carry on with your day. But if it’s a stubborn clog that won’t go away, or there’s water backing up, you’ll need to contact a licensed Sarasota and Bradenton, FL plumber. Just remember to watch what the plumber does, and you may learn a few helpful tricks.
Veteran Air & Plumbing is a distinguished company that can help you resolve toilet clogs and take care of other minor and major plumbing issues around your home. Whenever you encounter a plumbing problem, don’t hesitate to give us a call!