Atlanta residents love summer, especially when they can cool off indoors. Prepping your HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems can avoid costly equipment failures and unexpected issues. Beat the heat with these tried-and-true summer maintenance checklists and enjoy summer worry-free!
Learn how to prep your home for the summer heat and enjoy a stress-free summer with a few tips from Assured Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing.
Here Comes Summer: HVAC Maintenance Tips
To make the transition from heating to cooling easier on your HVAC, take a few proactive steps before turning on your AC unit for the year.
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.
- 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.
How Do I Know When to Turn on My AC for Summer?
There’s no perfect formula for deciding when to turn on your AC in Atlanta. We typically recommend waiting until the long-range forecast is over 50 degrees overnight and consistently over 70 degrees during the day.
Replace Your Air Filter
You should replace your HVAC system filters every 1 to 3 months. But, doing so more frequently during spring and summer is a good idea if anyone in your household has allergies or underlying respiratory issues.
Read more: Five Home Energy Efficiency Tips
Why Your Electricity Bill Goes Up 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.
Your Summer Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Get ahead of summer plumbing problems with preventive maintenance; no wrenching required.
- Inspect 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.
- Look 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. This is especially important if you live in an area with a high water table, substantial snowmelt, or heavy rains.
Keep Your Atlanta Home Comfortable This Summer
It might be cliche, but come July, Atlanta is “Hotlanta.” Don’t get caught without a working cooling system this season. Avoid unexpected equipment failures and unnecessarily high electricity bills with help from Atlanta’s reliable home services company.
Call 770-464-5745 orcontact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Douglasville, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas.