Is Your Home Ready for the Heat?

Summer is on it’s way, which means the sun is shining and the temperatures are climbing! This also means we're putting different demands on the major systems in our homes. For example, we're kicking on the air conditioner for the first time or we're putting more strain on our outdoor pipes and plumbing.

Here are some quick tips to help make sure our homes are better ready for the summer months.

1. CHECK YOUR OUTSIDE AC UNIT

Before turning on the A/C, check the outside unit to make sure it’s clear of obstructions so air can flow freely. If you covered your unit for the winter, make sure to uncover it before turning it on. Also, trim back any bushes or shrubs that may have grown too close to your air conditioner, and be sure to remove anything blocking the intake or blower. Remember: air flow is key to a happy A/C!

2. CHECK YOUR FILTER

Many people don't realize that the same filter they use for the furnace is the same one they use for the A/C. But that filter gets year-round use and must be changed consistently. To check the filter and make sure it's clean, take it out and hold it up to the light. If you can't see light through it, you're not getting enough air through it. Remember good air flow!

3. TURN OFF HUMIDIFIER

If you have a humidifier attached to your home duct work, turning it off for the summer is a great idea. Because your A/C pulls water out of the air, this will create a lot less work for your air conditioner in the summer.

ac working properly - turn off humidifier

4. CHECK OUTSIDE PIPES FOR LEAKS AND BREAKS

Outside the home, it's important to give your outdoor plumbing systems a thorough look-over before heading into watering/gardening/yard work/water fight/car wash season. This is relatively simple and includes checking outside spigots for leaks and/or breaks, checking the sprinkler system for breaks, and checking outside drains to be sure they're clear and functioning properly. Pipes are prone to freezing and breaking in the winter so doing a quick inspection can help save you from leaks and even floods--and you might not realize you have a leak until you turn it on in the spring.

ac working properly - check outside pipes for leaks

5. CHECK THE THERMOSTAT

It's never a bad idea to check your home's thermostat to make sure it's working properly--especially if you've noticed that you have to adjust it frequently. And checking the thermostat is relatively simple. All you need is a visual-read thermometer. Put it up next to the thermostat and see if the temperatures match. If so, you're in good shape! Next, it's a good idea to check the thermostat batteries and change them, if necessary. Also, be sure to change the thermostat setting from heat to cool.

6. SWITCH CEILING FAN DIRECTION

Have you ever wondered what the switch on the side of your fan is for? Well, it changes your ceiling fan from moving clockwise to counterclockwise! During the summer, the blades should rotate in a counterclockwise motion to push cool air down, giving the room a nice breeze and keeping you from having to run the A/C so high.