Leesburg is one of the best places to live in Virginia, but with weather typical of the region, our HVAC and plumbing systems have a lot to endure. Preparing your home for summer is key to making the most of our four-season community.
Preventative maintenance and smart upgrades can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected electrical, HVAC, and plumbing problems and even lower your electricity bills. Learn how to prep your home for the summer heat and enjoy a stress-free summer with tips from our M.E. Flow, Inc. team.
How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Summer
Transitioning from heating to cooling can be hard on your HVAC system. Follow our recommendations to prep your system for the summer season.
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.
How Do I Know When to Turn on My AC for Summer?
Most homeowners turn on their air conditioning as summer approaches. If the long-term weather forecast consistently shows temperatures above 50 degrees at night and 70 degrees during the day, it's likely time to switch on the AC for the season. To save energy, consider opening windows to let in cool air overnight and closing blinds each morning to block sunlight.
Be Sure to Replace Your Air Filter
Replacing your HVAC system’s air filter is one of the most effective ways to improve its performance. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your filter every 1 to 3 months. In spring and early summer, you may need to replace your air filter monthly to mitigate seasonal pollen. Individuals with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions may benefit from replacing their filters monthly throughout the year.
Read more: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Why Is My Electric Bill So High in the Summer?
Nearly all cooling systems run on electricity, including heat pumps, central air conditioning, and ductless mini-split systems. Roughly half of your home’s energy consumption is from heating and cooling. The more frequently you use your air conditioner, the more electricity you consume; 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 that makes these adjustments automatically.
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.
- Look 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 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.
Want more plumbing tips for summer? Contact M.E. Flow, Inc., for expert recommendations.
Keep Your Loudon County Home Comfortable This Summer
A little maintenance goes a long way toward preventing the summertime blues. Avoid unexpected equipment failures and unnecessarily high electricity bills with help from Leesburg’s most reliable home services company.
Call 571-350-3183 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Leesburg, Lorton, Alexandria, and the surrounding areas.