Ocean Isle residents love summer, but the season does require a little preparation. Prepping your HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems can avoid costly equipment failures and unexpected issues. Find out how to get your home ready for the heat and enjoy the season comfortably with A+ Heating & Cooling - Electrical.
Here Comes Summer: HVAC Maintenance Tips
Transitioning from heating to cooling can be hard on your HVAC system without a little legwork. Before you turn off your heat and crank up the AC, follow this step-by-step guide.
First, Check Your AC Unit for Damage and Debris
Before running your air conditioner, take a moment to inspect the outdoor and indoor components for signs of damage, wear, or blockages.
- Inside 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.
- Outside 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.
How Do I Know When to 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.
Next, Replace Your Air Filter
Replacing your HVAC system’s air filter is one of the best ways to improve performance. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your filter every 1 to 3 months. In spring and early summer, you may need to replace your air filter monthly to mitigate seasonal pollen. Individuals with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions may require monthly filter replacements throughout the year.
Read more: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Why Is My Electric Bill So High in the Summer?
Nearlyhalf of your home’s energy consumption is from heating and cooling. Since 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. 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.
Don’t Forget Your Summer Plumbing Maintenance Checklist!
Get ahead of summer plumbing problems with preventive maintenance; no wrenching required.
- Look for leaks indoors. 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 everything at once!
- 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.
- 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. This is especially important if you live in an area with a high water table, substantial snowmelt, or heavy rains.
Keep Your Ocean Isle 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 Ocean Isle’s most reliable home services company. Make this your best summer yet with expert home services you can always count on.
Contact us online or call 910-600-6025 to schedule an appointment!