Ask any experienced homeowner, and they'll agree with Ben Franklin: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Regular home maintenance can help prevent minor problems from getting bigger – and more expensive. We've put together an annual home maintenance schedule with these home maintenance tasks to do each season!
Year-Round Comfort Starts with Maintenance
Between your annual heating and cooling HVAC service appointments, you can do several easy tasks to improve energy efficiency and extend the life of your HVAC equipment. Follow this seasonal HVAC maintenance schedule and stay cozy no matter what the weather throws at you!
Spring Home Maintenance
Fresh, bright, and warm, spring is a great time to make the accessible home maintenance fixes that will set you up for a safe and comfortable season.
HVAC Maintenance
Make the switch. Spring marks the transition from the heating to the cooling season. Turn off your furnace before getting your AC unit ready for summer. While you may not need it for a few weeks, Myrtle Beach weather can heat up quickly! Protect your cooling system by:
- Inspecting the outdoor unit for leaves and debris, leaks, or damage
- Replacing the filter before starting the system
- Checking your thermostat settings to ensure optimal temperature ranges
Take the time to observe your cooling system over the first few days of use to spot some common problems that arise after being off for a few months.
Plumbing Maintenance
Check your exterior connections. Inspect any outdoor faucets before you attach your garden hose for the season. Frost and the freeze-and-thaw cycle can cause damage to the faucet itself and the pipes leading to it. Turn on the faucet and watch for uneven flow, leaks, or low pressure. These are signs of a cracked pipe and will require professional attention.
Electrical Maintenance
Check your outlets. Take a few moments to test all your electrical outlets. This can help identify any dead circuits in your home that could pose a fire risk. It's also smart to inspect any power cords for signs of fraying or warping.
Summer Home Maintenance
The summer heat is on, and odds are your air conditioning unit is running. Save energy – and money – by taking a closer look at your AC unit.
HVAC Maintenance
Hot and humid Myrtle Beach summers can take a toll on your AC unit and your wallet. Depending on the size of your home and the temperature you set your thermostat, you can expect to spend between $130 and $250 per month strictly on air conditioning.
Keep your system running efficiently by replacing the AC unit filter every month and starting with a fresh filter at the beginning of the season.
You can also support your AC by switching the direction of your ceiling fan. During the summer months, make sure your fan spins counterclockwise to push air down and create a cooling breeze.
Plumbing Maintenance
Check your water heater. Summer is the best time to inspect and drain your water heater. Winter is usually the busiest time for water heater repairs, so you'll get faster service if it needs attention. Inspect your system for leaks or cracks. Listen for bubbling or thumps when you use hot water, which typically indicates sediment buildup in the tank.
Electrical Maintenance
Get ready for the surge. Summer storms can do severe damage, including to your electrical devices. Use surge protectors for computers, TVs, printers, and other devices to avoid costly issues after a lightning strike. If your house is loaded with technology (and whose isn't these days), consider investing in a whole home surge protection device.
Fall Home Maintenance
Autumn is all about preparing for winter. Like spring, it's a key transition period for Myrtle Beach homeowners as temperatures fall and days get shorter.
HVAC Maintenance
Make the switch (back). Just as you prepare your AC unit for summer, invest in inspecting and protecting your heating system. After you schedule your fall HVAC appointment, tackle these easy but important tasks:
- Make sure all air vents are open, clean, and unobstructed by furniture.
- Replace your air filter.
- Adjust your thermostat settings as needed.
Plumbing Maintenance
Insulate pipes. Exposed pipes in your basement, crawl space, and garage are more likely to freeze than pipes inside your home. Adding insulation can reduce the risk of burst pipes or leaks and improve energy efficiency.
Electrical Maintenance
Check your panel. Take a few minutes to inspect your electrical panel for signs of wear or tripped circuits. The combination of increased heating needs and more time at home usually means increased electricity consumption. Know where your breaker panel is and how to use it safely.
Winter Home Maintenance
Worried about winter at home? Chill! You can always count on Swift Services for emergency heating repair services. Of course, you can stay on our "Nice" list by heading into the holidays with your home prepared.
HVAC Maintenance
Inspect your furnace – Heating season isn't long in Myrtle Beach, but frequent exterior temperature changes and fluctuating use can take their toll. Inspect and observe your furnace, boiler, or heat pump for issues such as:
- Blowing cool air
- Short cycling (turning on frequently but running for short periods of time)
- Combustion smells (metal or rubber smells)
- Air filter getting noticeably dirty in less than a month
All of these indicate the need for professional assistance.
Plumbing Maintenance
Expect the unexpected - You've insulated exposed pipes and disconnected the house outside. Good work! If a pipe does burst, be ready. Every adult in the home (and probably teenagers, too) should know where the main water valve is located. If a pipe bursts, you'll need to shut off the water supply to your home in a hurry.
Electrical Maintenance
While not strictly electrical, we encourage homeowners to check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Most manufacturers recommend testing these devices every six months; winter is the perfect time to test them. Roughly 30% of all residential fires occur during winter, so stay safe and prepared.