They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s certainly true if you’re thinking of summer home maintenance. If getting your AC ready for summer or checking your plumbing now means you don’t miss a beach day later, it’s worth it! This summer maintenance plan covers the basics of preparing your home for the heat, so you don’t have to sweat the common summer HVAC problems and plumbing disasters that could ruin your day.
For expert home maintenance advice, trust the local pros at Five Star Air Conditioning Heating Plumbing Electrical. Here’s what you need to know!
Summer Home Maintenance Tips, By System
Before turning on your AC system, work through our summertime checklist to ensure all of your home’s core systems are in excellent condition. Summer heat means significant increases in electricity use, AC wear and tear, and an overall extra strain on your home’s HVAC, plumbing, and electrical equipment.
We’ve divided up our comprehensive summertime checklist by system to make your to-do list a little easier!
Summer HVAC Maintenance You Can’t Ignore
Your home’s air conditioning system can make or break your summer, so it’s a great time to get your air conditioning system ready for the warmer months in Greer. Preventative maintenance goes a long way toward reducing the risk of unexpected issues.
- To maintain clean and healthy indoor air, it's important to replace your air filter every one to three months. If you suffer from spring or summer allergies caused by tree or grass pollen, you might want to consider swapping it out even more frequently.
- Schedule an appointment with Five Star Air Conditioning Heating Plumbing Electrical to ensure your AC is serviced properly for summer. Most homeowners typically arrange for routine maintenance at least once a year.
- Lastly, if you have central air conditioning, make sure to inspect the outdoor condenser unit for any debris or obstructions. Clearing away leaves, branches, weeds, or sticks is essential to prevent restricted airflow and keep your system running efficiently.
These simple steps for getting an AC unit ready for summer can prevent common summer HVAC problems like frozen evaporator coils, dirty condenser coils, or refrigerant leaks.
Read More: How to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Summer Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Long winters often cause hard-to-find leaks or other issues. Spring and summer are ideal opportunities to spot and resolve leaks and equipment problems.
- Keep your home safe from water problems by checking for leaks. Look closely at your faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Listen for dripping sounds and watch for water stains. Don’t forget to look under and behind your dishwasher, washing machine, and refrigerator.
- Next, check your water heater for leaks and damage. Look for bent valves, rust, discoloration, and sediment buildup. To pinpoint sediment deposits, listen for rumbling sounds when water is running in your home.
You can prevent summer plumbing problems by rinsing off sandy feet outside and keeping outdoor water use in check. Avoid using too much water at the same time – such as washing clothes while watering the lawn – to reduce strain on pipes.
Summer Electrical Maintenance Checklist
Air conditioning units, heat pumps, and even your trusty ceiling fan all use electricity. That means your electricity bill is likely to follow rising summer temperatures. Addressing potential electrical systems will keep you safe and may lower your bills! Here’s what to do:
- Test your GFCI circuit interrupters (GFCIs): Press the “test” button on allGFCI outlets to make sure it trips. This will cause the “reset” button to pop up. If it works, simply press the reset button again to restore power to the outlet. If a GFCI outlet doesn’t trip, contact Five Star Air Conditioning Heating Plumbing Electrical for replacement.
- Inspect outlets and switches: Check for cracks, loose plates, or signs of damage. If you notice evidence of melting, smoke marks, or other issues, stop using the outlet and contact an electrician.
- Examine outdoor outlets and lighting: Especially if you haven’t used exterior electrical components since last summer, inspect outdoor components for damage. Clear any vegetation that might grow near outlets.
Remember, only trained electricians have the skills and tools to fix damaged or faulty electrical equipment. Keep yourself and your family safe and trust the professionals at Five Star Air Conditioning Heating Plumbing Electrical.
General Summer Home Maintenance Tips
Here are a few easy ways to prepare your home for summer’s heat and save you time, money, and energy in the future!
- Switch your ceiling fan direction: Take a moment to reverse your ceiling fan direction to counterclockwise to cool down spaces efficiently!
- Tidy up the lawn: Trim trees and brush away from your home, remove dead plants and weeds, and pick up any sticks. This will make mowing easier.
- Look for pests and rodents: Inspect the outside of your home for signs of insect damage or pest infestation. Critters love to make space for themselves in exterior vents, window ledges, and cracked foundations.
Make This Your Best Summer Yet
Enjoy a stress-free summer by taking care of this homeowner maintenance checklist. For HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services in Greer, count on the highly trained team at Five Star Air Conditioning Heating Plumbing Electrical. We’re proud to offer reliable home services to our thriving community.
Contact us today or call 864-306-4898 to schedule your appointment and live more comfortably in your home.