You don’t have to escape the city to find relief from the heat this summer. Prepare your Atlanta-area home for the cooling season with preventive maintenance of your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Learn how to prep your home for the summer heat and even reduce your home’s electrical bills this season.
Here Comes Summer: HVAC Maintenance Tips
Transitioning from heating to cooling can be challenging for your HVAC system without some preparation. Before you turn off your heat and crank up the AC, follow this step-by-step guide.
Inspect your AC Unit
Before running your air conditioner, take a moment to inspect the outdoor and indoor components for signs of damage, wear, or blockages.
- Outdoor unit – Look for signs of damage and debris in the unit’s vents and evaporator coils. If you have a cover, remove it before turning on your AC, even if you’re only testing it for a few moments.
- Indoor unit – Check the drain line for blockages or damage. If you notice any water near the line, try pouring a small amount of water into it to see if it drains freely. If not, consider scheduling AC service before the summer heat hits.
When Should I Turn On My AC for Summer?
Most homeowners turn on their AC when they know summer has well and truly arrived. Once the long-term weather forecast is consistently above 50 degrees overnight and 70 degrees during the day, switching on the AC for the year is probably okay. You can save energy by opening windows to let in cool air overnight and closing blinds to block sunlight each morning.
Be Sure to Replace Your Air Filter
You should replace your filters every 1 to 3 months to help your system work efficiently and prevent the spread of allergens. That said, replace your filter more frequently if you have pets, suffer from allergies, or have a respiratory condition.
Read more: Easy Ways to Combat Poor Indoor Air Quality
Why Does My Electricity Bill Go Up in the Summer?
Almost all air conditioning units and heat pumps operate on electricity; you’ll likely notice that your electric bill is higher in the summer than in the winter. Nearly half of your home’s energy consumption is from heating and cooling.
The less you use your AC, the more you’ll save. Most experts say the best AC temperature for energy saving in summer is 78 degrees when you’re at home. You can save even more by setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away or by investing in a smart thermostat that automatically regulates AC use.
Your Summer Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Get ahead of summer plumbing problems with preventive maintenance; no wrenching required.
- Look for leaks outdoors. Turn outdoor spigots on and off, checking them for leaks and damage. If you have underground sprinklers, inspect each head for damage, and look for soggy spots in the lawn, which may indicate an underground leak.
- Check for leaks inside. Check faucets, fixtures, and accessible pipes. While this doesn’t have to happen in the spring or early summer, it’s usually convenient to do it at the same time as your outdoor inspections; if you need repairs, you can tackle them all at once.
- Test your sump pump. After visually inspecting the pump, manually lift the float switch to make sure the sump pump turns on. You can also pour a few gallons of water into the pit and listen for proper activation. T
Keep Your Atlanta Home Comfortable This Summer
A little maintenance goes a long way toward preventing the summertime blues. Avoid unexpected equipment failures and unnecessarily high electricity bills with help from Atlanta’s most reliable home services company. Make this your best summer yet with expert home services you can always count on.
To schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and the surrounding areas, call 770-343-7565 or contact us online.