There’s nothing like summer in Myrtle Beach, but the heat can undoubtedly take a toll on your home’s HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. We’ve put together a checklist to help you prepare your home for summer and keep your air conditioning bill manageable. From inspecting your AC unit to scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up, this is your guide to a stress-free summer.
Prepare Your Home for Summer with These Tips
Get your home summer-ready by inspecting and prepping your home’s utilities for cooling season.
Your Summer HVAC Maintenance Checklist
- Keep your cool. Prepare your air conditioning (AC) unit for summer by performing a visual inspection. Start by checking the outdoor unit for any signs of damage, debris buildup, or obstructions around the evaporator and condenser coils. Inside, inspect the condenser drain for blockages or mold growth. If you encounter any issues, you can flush the drain line with a mixture of water and vinegar.
- Switch the thermostat. After switching from heat to cool settings, monitor your thermostat to see if it maintains the correct temperature. Summer is a great time to invest in a smart thermostat to help lower your summer energy bills.
- Get a tune-up. We recommend scheduling a tune-up to prepare your AC for summer before temperatures rise. Summer HVAC maintenance is all about easing the transition from heating to cooling. Swift Services will calibrate and lubricate the internal mechanisms that keep your unit running smoothly and identify any areas that require future maintenance.
How Do I Know When to Turn Off Central Heating for Summer?
It's generally advisable to wait for consistently warm temperatures before shutting off your heating system for the season. Review the long-range forecast for days when temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 60°F, accompanied by overnight lows above 40°F.
Summer Plumbing Tips
Cold winters and freeze-thaw cycles in spring can both be harsh on your home’s plumbing system. As you transition to hotter days, avoid summer plumbing issues by inspecting pipes, lines, and fixtures. Here’s how.
- Check your lines. Visually inspect faucets, fixtures, and easily accessible pipes for leaks, drips, or signs of damage. Don’t forget about outdoor faucets and underground sprinkler systems, which have borne the brunt of winter’s chill.
- Adjust and drain the water heater. Consider lowering your water heater's temperature by a few degrees. (120°F is ideal for saving money.) Take a moment to inspect for signs of wear and tear. Spring or early summer is a great time to drain your water heater tank to remove sediment buildup.
- Test your sump pump. If your home has a sump pump, ensure the deck surrounding the unit is clear of debris, listen for proper activation, and use the test function (if available) to verify its operation.
How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill in the Summer
It’s probably no surprise that air conditioning uses the most energy during the summer, compared to other major systems. The precise energy expenditure varies based on the size of the home, the efficiency of the system, and the differences in indoor and outdoor temperatures. On average, cooling accounts for nearly half of a home’s summer electricity consumption.
Since most air conditioning systems run on electricity, a scorching-hot summer can quickly burn a hole in your wallet. You can help lower your home's summer energy consumption by investing in weatherization and insulation. Proper air sealing and insulation can help reduce your home’s total heating and cooling costs by up to 15%, especially during the coldest and hottest days of the year.
Read more: How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Get Your Home Ready for Summer with Swift Services
Summer in Myrtle Beach can’t be beat – if your home is ready. Count on our friendly, experienced technicians to provide reliable, cost-effective home services when you need them most. We’re committed to helping our neighbors live comfortably.
Book an appointment or call 843-352-6427 for prompt and professional service!