Summer in Central Florida is hot and humid, but the winter more than makes up for any temporary discomfort! At Advanced Air Home Services, we do our part to keep homes more comfortable by helping homeowners maintain critical utilities. We’ve put together a few tips for preparing your home for summer and keeping your electrical bill in check. From inspecting your AC unit to tweaking your water heater settings, this is your guide to a stress-free summer.
Prepare Your Edgewater Home for Summer with These Tips
Get your home summer-ready with these smart tips that address all core systems during the seasonal changes.
Your Guide to Summer HVAC Maintenance
- Inspect your air conditioner. Start by checking the outdoor unit for signs of damage, debris accumulation, and obstructions near the evaporator and condenser coils. Inside, examine the condenser drain for blockages or mold growth. To clear any blockages, flush the drain line with a mixture of water and vinegar.
- Ensure your thermostat is working. Switch the thermostat to cooling. After switching from heat to cool settings, monitor your thermostat to see if it maintains the correct temperature. Summer is also a great time to invest in a smart thermostat to lower your summer energy bills!
- Get a tune-up. We suggest scheduling a tune-up for your air conditioning system to prepare it for summer before temperatures rise. Summer HVAC maintenance focuses on making the transition from heating to cooling smoother, and our team at Advanced Air Home Services will identify any potential issues that could lead to larger problems in the future.
When to Turn Off Your Heat for Summer
It’s usually best to wait for consistently warm temperatures before turning off your heating system for the season. Check the long-range forecast for overnight lows above 40°F.
Summer Plumbing Prep
As you transition to hotter days, avoid summer plumbing issues by inspecting pipes, lines, and fixtures. Here’s how.
- Check your lines and fixtures. Visually inspect faucets, fixtures, and easily accessible pipes for leaks, drips, or signs of damage. Don’t forget about outdoor faucets and underground sprinkler systems, which have borne the brunt of winter’s chill.
- Adjust your water heater. Consider lowering your water heater's temperature by a few degrees. (120°F is ideal for saving money.) Take a moment to inspect for signs of wear and tear. Spring or early summer is a great time to drain your water heater tank to remove sediment buildup.
- Inspect your sump pump. Look for debris, listen for proper activation, and use the test function (if available) to verify it’s working.
How to Save Money on Your Summer Electric Bill
Since most air conditioning systems run on electricity, a scorching-hot summer can quickly burn a hole in your wallet. Wondering how to lower your electricity bill this summer? Focus on weatherizing and insulation. Proper air sealing and insulation can help reduce your home’s total heating and cooling costs by up to 15%.
Read more: How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
What Uses the Most Electricity in a Home During Summer?
It’s probably no surprise that air conditioning uses the most energy during the summer, compared to other major systems. The precise energy expenditure varies based on the size of the home, the efficiency of the system, and the differences in indoor and outdoor temperatures. On average, cooling accounts for nearly half of a home’s summer electricity consumption.
Get Your Home Ready for Summer with Advanced Air Home Services
Central Florida summers are hot and humid. It’s our mission to help our neighbors live more comfortably year-round with reliable, cost-effective home services. Count on our friendly, experienced technicians to provide emergency and preventative services.
Contact us online or call 386-260-2330 to schedule an appointment!