Summer can take a real toll on your home’s HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. Scorching temperatures, changing humidity, and increased water use can be a troublesome combination for homes with underprepared infrastructure. Get your home summer-ready with Daniel's Plumbing & Air Conditioning so these issues don’t impact your beach time!
Common Summer HVAC Problems
As temperatures rise, so does your air conditioning unit’s workload. Summer temperatures cause your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump to run more frequently and for longer periods. This adds considerable wear and tear on your system and contributes to an increased risk of common summer HVAC issues, like:
- Refrigerant leaks
- Dirty condenser coils
- Blocked condensate drains
- AC failure
All of these summer home AC problems have immediate consequences. For example, a poorly maintained AC system has a lower cooling capacity, increases your energy bills, and may require emergency AC repairs if it fails unexpectedly. As many parts of the country experience longer, hotter summers, more Americans are using their AC units more often, and older systems are more likely to wilt under the heat!
Common Summer Plumbing Problems—Don’t Blame the Heat
While warm temperatures don’t directly affect your plumbing system, increased water usage sure can! Most Americans use considerably more water during the summer months, primarily due to activities like watering the lawn, gardening, and using pools. Between30% and 70% of summer water use is outdoors, and roughly half of that water is ultimately wasted due to evaporation.
Homeowners tend to experience more plumbing problems in the summer because increased demand tends to intensify existing issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. Leaky faucets, partially clogged drains, and old, damaged pipes are more noticeable—and more likely to fail—as water demand increases.
The most common summer plumbing issues are:
- Leaks
- Sprinkler system failure
- Sewer line damage (usually from tree roots)
Read more: Smart Ways To Improve Home Energy Efficiency
Common Electrical Problems in the Summer
All that extra AC use is usually powered by one source: your home’s electrical system. Unlike heating systems, roughly 52% of which are powered by heating oil or natural gas, nearly every kind of AC unit runs on electricity.
In the home, increased energy use can lead to overloaded circuits, especially when using a window or portable air conditioning unit. Overloaded circuits can cause recurring tripped circuits, overheated outlets, and pose a risk of failure or damage to any devices plugged into those circuits.
- Power surges can damage your electronics, such as appliances, computers, and TVs. Lightning from summer storms often causes these surges. If you live in an area with frequent and strong storms, it’s a good idea to prepare for power outages. Consider using whole-home surge protectors to help protect your devices and avoid costly replacements.
- Power outages often happen in summer due to intense lightning storms. These outages can be inconvenient and costly. When power is restored, voltage spikes may occur, reaching levels comparable to those of a lightning strike. To safeguard sensitive electronics, it's wise to unplug them during potential outages. Additionally, it's a good idea to leave one light on so you can easily see when the power has been restored.
There’s No Place Like Austin in Peak Summer
Make the most of summer with professional home services from Daniel's Plumbing & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will inspect your home’s system and make reliable recommendations to prevent damage and prolong the functional lifespan of your equipment. Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient summer with no unexpected problems!
Call 512-456-3570 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing service in Bee Cave, Kyle, and the surrounding areas.