Maintaining your home for summer is important, and a little prevention can go a long way toward avoiding unexpected problems. By taking steps now, like preparing your AC and checking your plumbing, you’ll be able to enjoy worry-free beach days later. This summer maintenance checklist outlines essential tasks to prepare your home for the hot weather ahead.
For expert home maintenance advice, trust the local pros at Swift Services. Here’s what you need to know!
Summer Home Maintenance Tips, By System
Before you turn off the heat and fire up the AC for the season, run through our summertime checklist to ensure all of your home’s core systems are in excellent condition. Increased electricity use, high temperatures, and other factors put extra strain on your home’s HVAC, plumbing, and electrical equipment.
We’ve divided up our summertime checklist according to each system.
Summer HVAC Maintenance You Can’t Ignore
Your air conditioning unit is the hero of summer, and in Myrtle Beach, summer is the perfect time to take a closer look at your equipment. Start the season with a little preventative maintenance that anyone can handle.
- Replace your air filter: To ensure clean, healthy indoor air,swap out your air filter every one to three months. It’s usually a good idea to replace your filter more frequently if you have spring or summer allergies from tree or grass pollen.
- Schedule AC service: Schedule an appointment with Swift Services to get your AC ready for summer now. Most homeowners schedule routine maintenance at least once a year.
- Clear the outdoor unit: If you have central air conditioning, inspect the outdoor condenser unit for debris and obstructions. Clear away leaves, branches, weeds, or sticks that may restrict air flow.
These simple steps for preparing an AC unit for summer can help prevent common HVAC issues, such as frozen evaporator coils, dirty condenser coils, or refrigerant leaks.
Read More: How to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
Summer Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Especially after a long winter, homeowners may find leaks or other issues during the transition from frigid temperatures to high heat. Preparing plumbing for summer can help keep your water bill in check by addressing leaks and preventing equipment failure.
- Keep your home safe from water problems by checking for leaks. Look closely at your faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Listen for dripping sounds and watch for water stains. Don’t forget to look under and behind your dishwasher, washing machine, and refrigerator.
- Check your water heater for leaks and damage. Look for bent valves, rust, discoloration, and sediment buildup. To spot sediment, listen for rumbling sounds when water is running in your home.
You can prevent summer plumbing problems by rinsing off sandy feet outside and keeping outdoor water use in check. Avoid using too much water at the same time, such as washing clothes while watering the lawn, to reduce strain on pipes.
Summer Electrical Maintenance Checklist
Since virtually all forms of air conditioning use electricity, you can anticipate higher electric bills right in line with rising temperatures. In addition to improving energy efficiency, make sure your wiring and outlets can stand the heat.
- Test your GFCI circuit interrupters (GFCIs): Press the “test” button on allGFCI outlets to make sure it trips. This will cause the “reset” button to pop up. If it works, simply press the reset button again to restore power to the outlet. If a GFCI outlet doesn’t trip, contact Swift Services for replacement.
- Inspect outlets and switches: Check for cracks, loose plates, or signs of damage. If you notice evidence of melting, smoke marks, or other issues, stop using the outlet and contact an electrician.
- Examine outdoor outlets and lighting, especially if you haven’t used exterior electrical components since last summer. Inspect outdoor components for damage. Clear any vegetation that might grow near outlets.
Remember, only trained electricians have the skills and tools to fix damaged or faulty electrical equipment. Keep yourself and your family safe and trust the professionals at Swift Services.
More Summer Home Maintenance Tips
Here are a few more accessible ways to prepare for summer at home.
- Switch your ceiling fan direction: Take a moment to reverse your ceiling fan direction to counterclockwise to cool down spaces efficiently!
- Tidy up the lawn: Trim trees and brush away from your home, remove dead plants and weeds, and pick up any sticks. This will make mowing easier.
- Look for pests and rodents: Critters may make space for themselves in exterior vents, window ledges, and cracked foundations. Inspect the outside of your home for signs of insect damage or pest infestation.
Make This Your Best Summer Yet
Enjoy a stress-free summer by taking care of these common summer maintenance basics. For HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services in Myrtle Beach, count on the highly trained team at Swift Services. We’re proud to offer reliable home services to our thriving community.
Book an appointment or call 843-352-6427 for prompt and professional service!