There’s no place like Kansas City during the summer – it’s why we love living here! However, the hot and humid weather can put significant strain on your plumbing and HVAC systems. Preparing your home’s utility systems for summer can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected electrical, HVAC, and plumbing problems. It can lower your high electricity bills, too!
Find out how to get your home ready for summer and enjoy the season comfortably with C.M. Mose & Son.
How to Prepare Your Home’s Utility Systems for Summer
You can make the switch from heating to cooling easier on your HVAC system by following this step-by-step guide.
Start By Checking 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.
When Should I 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 consistently indicates temperatures above 50 degrees overnight and 70 degrees during the day, it's probably okay to switch on the AC for the year. You can save energy by opening windows to let in cool air overnight and closing blinds to block sunlight each morning.
Don’t Forget to Replace Your Air Filter!
You should replace your filters at least quarterly. Air filters trap particulate matter, including allergens, and prevent them from circulating through your home. A plugged air filter can’t capture more particulates and may even make your HVAC system work harder.
Households with pets, significant allergies, or respiratory issues should plan to replace their air filters more frequently.
Read more: Three Ways to Address Poor Indoor Air Quality
Why Your Electricity Bill Goes Up 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. Nearlyhalf 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.
- 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.
- Check 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 them all at once.
- 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, substantial snowmelt, or heavy rains.
Keep Your Kansas City Home Comfortable This Summer
A little maintenance goes a long way toward preventing the summertime blues. With help from Kansas City’s reliable home services company, avoid unexpected equipment failures and unnecessarily high electricity bills. Make this your best summer yet with expert home services you can always count on.
Call 816-339-5190 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Pleasant Valley and the surrounding areas.