Jacksonville summers are long, warm, and sunny–but the heat can take its toll, and you’ll need a cool place to relax. Is your home ready for air conditioning season? Prepping your HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems can avoid costly equipment failures and unexpected issues. Beat the heat with these tried-and-true summer maintenance checks and enjoy summer worry-free!
Your Summer HVAC Checklist
Transitioning from heating to cooling can be hard on your HVAC system without a little legwork. Before you turn off your heat and crank up the AC:
Always Inspect 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.
When Should I Turn On My AC for Summer?
There’s no perfect formula for deciding when to turn on your AC in Jacksonville. 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.
Replace Your Air Filter
Late spring and early summer are great times to replace your air filter. This will help filter out seasonal allergies like tree pollen and improve your HVAC system's overall efficiency. You should replace your filters every 1 to 3 months, but doing so more frequently during spring and summer is a good idea if anyone in your household has allergies or underlying respiratory issues.
Read more: Energy Efficiency Tips to Save Money
Why Your Electricity Bill Goes Up in the Summer
Nearlyhalf of your home’s energy consumption is from heating and cooling. Since almost all air conditioning units and heat pumps operate on electricity, you’ll likely notice that your electric bill is higher in the summer than in the winter. The less you use your AC, the more you’ll save. Most experts say the best AC temperature for energy saving in summer is 78 degrees when you’re at home. You can save even more by setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away or by investing in a smart thermostat that automatically regulates AC use.
Your Summer Plumbing Maintenance Checklist
Get ahead of summer plumbing problems with preventive maintenance; no wrenching required.
- Look for leaks inside. Check faucets, fixtures, and accessible pipes.
- 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.
- 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 very near the river or the beach, where the water table is higher.
Keep Your Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville’s most reliable home services company.
Call 904-605-8190 orcontact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding areas.