Summer in Orlando is hot, humid, and often stormy–it’s the price we pay for mild winters! The season can put a significant strain on your home's HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. To help your home weather the summer and keep your utility bills manageable, we’ve compiled our top tips. From inspecting your AC unit to adjusting your water heater settings, this guide will help ensure a stress-free summer.
Smart Tips to Get Your Orlando Area Home Summer-Ready
Get all of your home’s core systems ready for the summer heat with this handy checklist. While your AC unit does most of the work, don’t overlook how seasonal changes impact your home’s plumbing and electrical components!
HVAC Maintenance for Summer
- Complete a visual inspection. Examine the outdoor unit for any signs of damage, debris buildup, or obstructions around the evaporator and condenser coils. Inside, inspect the condenser drain for blockages or mold growth; you can flush the drain line using a mixture of water and vinegar.
- Switch the thermostat. After switching from heat to cool settings, monitor your thermostat to see if it maintains the correct temperature.
- Get a tune-up. We recommend scheduling an AC tune-up for your air conditioning system before the temperatures rise to prepare it for summer. Summer HVAC maintenance focuses on a smooth transition from heating to cooling. This includes replacing filters, lubricating moving parts, inspecting electrical components, and performing additional maintenance tasks as needed. Finally, we’ll identify any areas of concern and alert you to any work that needs to be planned for in the future.
Summer Plumbing Checklist
As you transition to hotter days, avoid summer plumbing issues by inspecting pipes, lines, and fixtures. Here’s how.
- Check your water lines. 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 its temperature by a few degrees. (120°F is ideal for saving money.) Then, take a moment to look for signs of wear and tear. Spring or early summer is a great time to drain your water heater tank to remove sediment buildup.
- Test your sump pump. Look for debris, listen for proper activation, and use the test function (if available) to verify it’s working.
While our winters are often mild, any brief cold snap can have a lasting impact on your home’s plumbing system.
Summer Electrical Savings
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%, especially during the coldest and hottest days of the year. Summer is also a great time to invest in a smart thermostat to lower your summer energy bills!
Read more: How to Improve Home Energy Efficiency Year-Round
What Uses the Most Electricity in a Home During Summer?
For most homeowners, cooling their homes is the most significant energy expense in the summer. The precise energy expenditure varies based on the size of the house, 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 Pro-Tech Air Conditioning & Plumbing Service
Stay cool this summer without breaking the bank. Count on our friendly, experienced technicians to provide reliable, cost-effective home services when you need them most. We’re committed to helping our neighbors live comfortably.
Contact us online or call 877-416-4727 to schedule an appointment!