There’s no place like Port St. Lucie in the winter – it’s why we love living here! But summers can be enjoyable too, as long as you’re ready for the heat and humidity.
Cooling season puts a little extra strain on your plumbing and HVAC systems. Preparing your home for summer can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected electrical, HVAC, and plumbing problems. It can lower your high electricity bills, too!
Learn how to prep your home for the heat and enjoy a stress-free summer with tips for maintaining your home’s systems.
Here Comes Summer: HVAC Maintenance Tips
Transitioning from heating to cooling can be hard on your HVAC system without some legwork. Before you turn on the AC, follow this step-by-step guide.
Start By Checking Your AC Unit
Before running your air conditioner, 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. This is important as any blockages or damage can affect the efficiency and lifespan of your AC unit.
- Indoor unit – Check the drain line for blockages or damage. If you notice any drips 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?
Most homeowners turn on their air conditioning as summer approaches. If the long-term weather forecast consistently shows temperatures above 50 degrees at night and 70 degrees during the day, it's likely time to switch on the AC for the season.
To conserve energy, consider opening windows at night to take advantage of cool breezes. Close your blinds each morning to block the sun's heat.
Don’t Forget to Replace Your Air Filter
You should replace your HVAC’s air filter at least quarterly, and more often if you have pets or if anyone in your household has allergies.
Replacing your air tiler is critical for filtering allergens like tree pollen and improving the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Read more: Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Why Your Electricity Bill Goes Up in the Summer
Nearly half 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.
- Look for leaks outside. 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 ensure it 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 and in advance of heavy rains.
Keep Your Port St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie’s reliable home services company. Make this your best summer yet with expert home services you can always count on.
Call 772-356-1735 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Port St. Lucie, Jupiter, and the surrounding areas.
