There’s no place like Austin during the summer – it’s why we love living here! However, the heat can put extra strain on your plumbing and HVAC systems. Preparing your home for summer can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected electrical, HVAC, and plumbing problems. It can lower your high electricity bills, too!
Learn how to prep your home for the summer heat and enjoy a stress-free summer with tips from Daniels Plumbing & Air Conditioning.
How to Prepare Your Plumbing System for Summer
You can make the switching from heating to cooling easier on your HVAC system by following this guide.
First, Check 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.
How Do I Know When to Turn on My AC for Summer?
There’s no perfect formula for deciding when to turn on your AC in Austin. We typically recommend waiting until the long-range forecast is over 50 degrees overnight and consistently over 70 degrees during the day. If you want to wait as long as possible before using the AC, try letting in cold air overnight to keep the house cool.
Next, Replace Your Air Filter
You should replace your HVAC filter at least quarterly. However, most households will benefit from more frequent replacement. Ensuring your HVAC air filter is clean allows air to circulate more effectively through your home, filtering out allergens as it passes through your system. And a clean filter puts less strain on your heating or cooling system.
Read more: Common Causes of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Why Your Electricity Bill Goes Up in the Summer
Roughlyhalf of your home’s energy consumption is from heating and cooling. Nearly all cooling systems run on electricity, including heat pumps, central air conditioning, and ductless mini-split systems. The more frequently you use your AC, the more electricity you use; that's why your electric bill tends to be considerably higher during the summer months. If you're trying to lower your electricity costs, try setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you're at home, and a few degrees higher while you're away. You can also save money by investing in a smart thermostat to make these adjustments automatically!
Don’t Forget to Check Your Plumbing!
Get ahead of summer plumbing problems with preventive maintenance; no wrenching required.
- Look for leaks indoors. 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 everything at once!
- 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.
Keep Your Austin Home Comfortable This Summer
A little maintenance goes a long way toward avoiding unforeseen repairs, HVAC replacements, and uncomfortably high temperatures indoors. Rely on our team to keep you cool and comfortable this summer with home services you can always count on.
Call 512-456-3570 orcontact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing service in Bee Cave, Kyle, and the surrounding areas.