How to Prepare Your Home for the Hot Summer Months Ahead

According to predictions from meteorologists on the Weather Channel, the temperatures this summer promise to be warmer than usual for much of the United States. As the summer months approach, your home must be prepared to deal with the extreme temperatures. Here are seven tips to help you get your home ready for the hot summer months ahead.

1. Purchase a High-Efficiency Air Conditioner

In the summer season, your air conditioning unit will provide a welcoming break from outdoor summer heat. If your unit is not working efficiently, your time in your home will be unbearable.

Now is the time to replace your old unit with a high-efficiency air conditioner. There are several benefits of purchasing a high-efficiency HVAC unit.

High energy units:

• Provide a more consistent air flow in your home
• Are equipped with programmable thermostats
• Have variable speed motors
• Use one-third less fuel than older units
• Increase the resale value of your home

If you have a unit that is over 20 years old, it is probably time to get a more modern model. Sure, you will have to pay the upfront costs of replacing your HVAC unit. However, you will save money in energy costs for the life of the unit.

Low-efficiency units are the main culprits responsible for high utility bills. Switching to a higher efficiency unit will result in sizable savings on your utility bills.

2. Schedule Maintenance for Your HVAC System

You may have a newer HVAC unit, but this does not mean that you do not need to schedule routine inspections and maintenance for your unit.

Contact a licensed professional to inspect your unit. Licensed professionals have the knowledge to diagnose current problems, replace damaged parts in your unit and determine whether your unit needs to be replaced.

Technicians recommend that you schedule a routine maintenance visit for your HVAC unit at least once a year. Depending on your HVAC unit’s age and condition, you may need to get regular checks done twice a year.

3. Change Your Thermostat

The primary purpose of your thermostat is to regulate the temperature in your entire home. Your thermostat controls the flow of air coming from your HVAC unit.

Unlike replacing your HVAC unit, replacing an outdated thermostat is an inexpensive and straightforward duty. This one change might be the key to breathing life into your current HVAC unit.

There are countless benefits associated with changing your thermostat. Newer thermostats lower your energy bills. Newer thermostats are programmable.

Programmable thermostats automatically adjust the temperature in your home. Updated thermostats provide you with information and warnings about your HVAC system. With newer thermostats, you can enjoy the benefits of a touchscreen feature.

4. Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can save money on your air-conditioning costs in the summer. Also, they provide an added level of comfort and crispness that helps your home fight off the stale summer air.

Your ceiling fan should be used according to the following guidelines. In the summer months, the blades on your fan should be adjusted to the counterclockwise setting. For additional savings, be sure to turn your ceiling fan off when you leave your home.

You can self-install your ceiling fan, or you can pay to have it installed by a trained technician. At any rate, a ceiling fan can be correctly installed in less than hour.

5. Get an Energy Audit

A professional home energy audit can accurately determine the causes of energy losses in your home. It can also help you learn how to make your home more energy efficient.

Energy audits can identify air leaks that increase your energy costs by up to 30 percent. In an energy audit, a technician will inspect the condition of your insulation. A professional home energy audit is an inexpensive way to prepare your home for the hot summer months.

6. Change Your Air Filters

The air filter in your HVAC unit is an important part of your unit. It keeps your home’s air and unit clean. In fact, many problems with HVAC units would be eliminated if people changed their air filters routinely. It is recommended that you change your HVAC air filter at least once a month.

7. Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned and Checked

Over time, your home’s air ducts can become filled with all types of debris such as dead rodents, bugs, leaves, pollen, pet hair, mold, and dust. This debris can obstruct the flow of air in your home.

Contact a professional air duct cleaning service to schedule an appointment. After the professionals clean your air ducts, they can inspect them for leaks. When your air ducts are clean, you will be able to feel the difference in the air quality in your home.

Although the summer season isn’t upon us just yet, it is important to prepare your home for the hot summer months immediately.

For an HVAC maintenance visit in your San Diego, CA home, call Perry Plumbing at (619) 472-2112.