Each season brings unique tasks to do around the house to keep everything running smoothly. In the summer, there are some things you can do both inside and outside to prevent issues arising at home. In the summer heat, it’s particularly important to take advantage of simple tasks that ensure you get the most from your cooling system on hot days. Check out our list below to keep your home running smooth this summer!
1. Check or Change Your Air Filter
Your air filter keeps the air circulating through your home clean. Over time, the filter clogs with airborne particles like dust. Clogs inhibit the airflow in your system, causing it to run less efficiently. Don’t make your A/C work harder than it needs to this summer. Stay on top of air filter maintenance. Not sure how often you should change your air filter? Check out our advice here.
2. Use Blinds or Curtains to Keep Direct Sunlight from Getting in Your Home
The hot summer sun bakes your home, causing your rooms to heat quicker than you think. One way to reduce the impact of the sun’s rays is to use blinds or curtains to reduce direct sunlight entering through the windows. Your air conditioning won’t have to work as hard to keep rooms cool when you reduce sun exposure.
3. Trim Plants Away from Your Air Conditioner or Heat Pump
Do you have plants surrounding your air conditioner or heat pump? If so, be sure to keep them trimmed back so they don’t interfere with your system. If plants block the area around your system, this could reduce its efficiency by blocking airflow. Our techs also appreciate it if you keep the area clear, so we’re able to access units easily to complete maintenance or repairs!
4. Empty Unwanted Standing Water
Hate mosquitos? Reduce the likelihood they breed near your home by emptying standing water. It’s really easy to forget about water collecting outside in the summer. Here are some common areas to check:
- Buckets
- Watering Cans
- Kid’s Toys
- Empty Plant Pots
- Tarps
5. Check and Seal Openings into the House
Did you know one simple way to keep your home cool this summer is to seal openings? If you seal openings and cracks it prevents or reduces hot air infiltration. When you keep the heat out, it’s easier for your home to maintain a steady, cool temperature. Some common areas to seal include:
- Air conditioning lines going into the house
- Door and window weatherstripping
- Window caulk
6. Check Home Exterior for Damage
Take a walk around the outside of your home and inspect it for signs of damage. This is particularly important after a summer storm. The sooner you catch an issue, the quicker you can make a repair that hopefully prevents larger, more costly problems! Be sure to check:
- Roof
- Spigots
- A/C insulation
- Siding
- Handrails
7. Clean Refrigerator Condenser Coil of Dust Bunnies
This tip should be done periodically throughout the year. Similar to air filters, the condenser coils on your fridge collect dust and debris. When the coils become clogged, it disrupts your refrigerator’s ability to release heat. This results in a less efficient cooling system, which can cause the appliance to burn out quicker and also increase your energy bill.
8. Check & Clean Gutters
We love it when leaves return to the trees and plants are in full bloom, but if you have trees near your home, leaves, twigs, and other plant debris are going to end up in your gutters. It is essential to grab a ladder and clear any clogs. This prevents water from backing up which can lead to leaks and water damage to your home.
9. Schedule HVAC Preventative Maintenance
Summer is the most important time of year to ensure your air conditioning is running efficiently. One way you can help it stay effective is to schedule a preventative maintenance visit. This gives our techs the opportunity to give your system some TLC and check for any issues that need to be addressed to keep everything running smoothly. At Henry, we offer preventative maintenance plans that make it easy to stay on top of your A/C maintenance. Learn more about our plans here.
When Air Conditioning Issues Happen, Contact Henry Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
We hope these tips help you stay on top of home maintenance over the summer and keep your home cool. If you run into any trouble with your air conditioning, we’re here to help. Whether you need a new system, preventative maintenance visit, or an emergency repair, we have highly trained and dependable staff ready to take care of you. Contact us today for any air conditioning needs.
