Decatur summers are hot and humid–your home’s AC and utilities need to keep up! Prepping your HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems can avoid costly equipment failures and unexpected issues. Learn how to prep your home for the summer heat and enjoy a stress-free summer with tips from Valley Heating & Cooling.
Your Summer HVAC Checklist
Make the transition from heating to cooling before turning on your AC unit for the year.
Always 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.
How Do I Know When to Turn on My AC for Summer?
Most homeowners turn on their air conditioning when summer arrives in full force. 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 save energy, consider opening windows to let in cool air overnight and closing blinds each morning to block sunlight.
Don’t Forget to Replace Your Air Filter
Replacing your HVAC system’s air filter is one of the most effective ways to improve its performance. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your filter every 1 to 3 months. You may need to replace your air filter monthly to mitigate seasonal pollen in spring and early summer. Individuals with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions may require monthly filter replacements throughout the year.
Read more: Three Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Why Is My Electric Bill So High in the Summer?
Roughly half of your home’s energy consumption is from heating and cooling. Nearly all cooling systems run on electricity, including heat pumps, central air conditioning, and ductless mini-split systems.
The more frequently you use your air conditioner, the more electricity you consume; that's why your electric bill tends to be considerably higher during the summer months. If you're trying to lower your electricity costs, try setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you're at home, and a few degrees higher while you're away. You can also save money by investing in a smart thermostat that makes these adjustments automatically.
Your Summer Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Get ahead of summer plumbing problems with preventive maintenance; no wrenching required.
- Check 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.
- Look for leaks inside. Check faucets, fixtures, and accessible pipes.
- 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 near the river or in a floodplain.
Keep Your Decatur Home Comfortable This Summer
A little maintenance goes a long way toward preventing the summertime blues. With help from Decatur’s most reliable home services company, you can avoid unexpected equipment failures and unnecessarily high electricity bills.
Call 256-474-7550 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Decatur, Athens, and the surrounding areas.