While Kissimmee is a fantastic place to live year-round, warm and humid summers can be a drain on your home’s utility systems. Preventive maintenance can help ensure your air conditioner is working at peak efficiency before the summer cooling season begins. We put together a list of ways to reduce the risk of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical issues this summer, and to keep your electricity bill in check!
Learn how to prep your home for the summer heat and enjoy a stress-free summer with tips from Ace Solves It All.
Summer HVAC Maintenance and Preparation
Make the transition from heating to cooling easier on your HVAC. Take these steps before turning on your AC unit for the year.
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 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.
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. In the spring and early summer, you may need to replace your air filter monthly to help mitigate seasonal allergens, such as pollen.
Read more: How to Tackle Poor Indoor Air Quality
Why Is My Electric Bill So High in the Summer?
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, especially in a region with fewer heating days.
Nearly half of your home’s energy consumption is from heating and cooling. 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.
- 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 and in advance of the rainy season.
- 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.
- 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 everything at once!
Keep Your Kissimmee Home Comfortable This Summer
Avoid unexpected equipment failures and unnecessarily high summer electricity bills with help from Kissimmee’s most reliable home services company. Ace Solves It All technicians are standing by and ready to help you make this your most comfortable summer yet! Call 407-499-8006 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, indoor air quality, or plumbing services in Kissimmee, Lakeland, and the surrounding areas.