They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s certainly true if you’re thinking of summer home maintenance. If getting your AC ready for summer or checking your plumbing now means you don’t miss a beach day later, it’s worth it! This summer maintenance checklist covers the basics of preparing your home for the heat, so you don’t have to sweat the common summer HVAC problems and plumbing disasters that could ruin your day.
For expert home maintenance advice, trust the local pros at Dial Duron Service Co. Here’s what you need to know!
Summer Home Maintenance Tips From the Pros
Before turning on your AC system, work through our summertime checklist to ensure all of your home’s core systems are in excellent condition. Summer heat means significant increases in electricity and AC use, and an overall extra strain on your home’s HVAC, plumbing, and electrical equipment.
We’ve divided up our comprehensive homeowner maintenance checklist by system to make your summer to-do list a little easier!
HVAC Maintenance for Summer
Your home’s air conditioning system can make or break your summer. Fortunately, preventative maintenance goes a long way toward reducing the risk of unexpected issues. In Orlando, summer is an ideal time to inspect your air conditioning equipment more closely.
- To maintain clean and healthy indoor air, it's important to replace your air filter every one to three months. If you suffer from spring or summer allergies caused by tree or grass pollen, consider replacing it more frequently.
- Schedule an appointment with Dial Duron Service Co. to ensure your AC is serviced properly for summer. Many homeowners typically arrange for routine maintenance at least once a year.
- If you have central air conditioning, make sure to inspect the outdoor condenser unit for any debris or obstructions. Clearing away leaves, branches, weeds, or sticks is essential to prevent restricted airflow and keep your system running efficiently.
These simple steps for preparing an AC unit for summer can help prevent common HVAC issues, such as frozen evaporator coils, dirty condenser coils, or refrigerant leaks.
Read More: How to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Summer Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Especially after a long winter, homeowners may find leaks or other issues during the transition from colder temperatures to high heat. Preparing plumbing for summer can help keep your water bill in check by addressing leaks and preventing equipment failure.
- Keep your home safe from water problems by checking for leaks. Look closely at your faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Listen for dripping sounds and watch for water stains. Don’t forget to look under and behind your dishwasher, washing machine, and refrigerator.
- Next, check your water heater for leaks and damage. Look for bent valves, rust, discoloration, and sediment buildup. To spot sediment, listen for rumbling sounds when water is running in your home.
You can prevent summer plumbing problems by rinsing off sandy feet outside and keeping outdoor water use in check. Avoid using too much water at the same time – such as washing clothes while watering the lawn – to reduce strain on pipes.
Summer Electrical Maintenance Checklist
Air conditioning units, heat pumps, and even your trusty ceiling fan all use electricity. That means your electricity bill is likely to follow rising summer temperatures. Addressing potential electrical systems will keep you safe and may lower your bills; here’s what to do.
- Test your GFCI circuit interrupters (GFCIs): Press the “test” button on allGFCI outlets to ensure they trip. This will cause the “reset” button to pop up. If it works, simply press the reset button again to restore power to the outlet. If a GFCI outlet doesn’t trip, contact Dial Duron Service Co. for replacement.
- Inspect outlets and switches: Check for cracks, loose plates, or signs of damage. If you notice evidence of melting, smoke marks, or other issues, stop using the outlet immediately and contact a qualified electrician.
- Examine outdoor outlets and lighting, especially if you haven’t used exterior electrical components since last summer. Inspect outdoor components for damage. Clear any vegetation that might grow near outlets.
Always rely on a trained and experienced technician to repair damaged or broken electrical outlets, circuits, or infrastructure. The electricians at Dial Duron Service Co. are available 24/7 to keep you and your family safe.
Smart Summer Home Maintenance Tips
Here are a few easy ways to prepare your home for summer’s heat and save you time, money, and energy in the future!
- Switch your ceiling fan direction: Take a moment to reverse your ceiling fan direction to counterclockwise to cool down spaces efficiently.
- Tidy up the lawn: Trim trees and brush away from your home, remove dead plants and weeds, and pick up any sticks. This will make mowing easier.
- Look for pests and rodents: Inspect the outside of your home, including exterior vents, window ledges, and cracked foundations, for signs of insect damage or pest infestation.
Make This Your Best Summer Yet
There’s nothing quite like summer in Central Florida. Stay ahead of unexpected HVAC, plumbing, or electrical issues by tackling the basics of summer maintenance. For everything else, count on Dial Duron Service Co. for prompt and professional home services. We’re proud to serve you!
Need help prepping your home for summer? Contact us online or call 321-341-3625 to schedule an appointment today.