How to Prepare Your Home for Summer in Greer

There’s nothing like summer in the foothills, but the season can certainly take a toll on your home’s HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. We’ve put together a few tips for preparing your home for summer and keeping your air conditioning bill in check. From inspecting your AC unit to tweaking your water heater settings, this is your guide to a stress-free summer.

Prepare Your Home for Summer with These Tips

This helpful guide prepares your home’s essential systems for the summer heat. While your AC unit does most of the work, don’t overlook how seasonal changes affect your home’s plumbing and electrical systems!

Your Summer HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Prep your AC. Prepare your air conditioning unit for summer with a visual inspection. Start by examining the outdoor unit for any signs of damage, debris buildup, or obstructions around the evaporator and condenser coils. Inside, check the condenser drain for blockages or mold growth. You can flush the drain line with a mixture of water and vinegar to help maintain it.
Switch the thermostat. After switching from heat to cool settings, monitor your thermostat to see if it maintains the correct temperature.
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. Five Star Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical will identify any issues that could cause bigger problems later on.

How Do I Know When to Turn Off Central Heating for Summer?

It is generally advisable to wait for consistently warm temperatures before turning off your heating system for the season. Check the long-range forecast for days when temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 60°F, with overnight lows remaining above 40°F. If you experience occasional chilly days, consider allowing natural light and heat to enter your home during the day to help warm it, which can reduce your reliance on the heating system.

Summer Plumbing Tips

While temperatures are often mild in Greer, winter cold snaps can stress your home’s plumbing. As you move into warmer days, prevent summer plumbing issues by inspecting your pipes, lines, and fixtures. Here’s how:

Check your water 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 maintain your 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. Look for debris, listen for proper activation, and use the test function (if available) to verify it’s working.

What Consumes the Most Electricity in a Home During Summer?

In most home’s, the AC unit uses the most energy in summer. 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.

Reduce Utility Bills With Insulation & Weatherization

Since most air conditioning systems run on electricity, a scorching-hot summer can quickly burn a hole in your wallet. Wondering how to lower your electricity bill this summer? Focus on weatherizing 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. Summer is also a great time to invest in a smart thermostat to lower your summer energy bills!

Get Your Home Ready for Summer with Five Star Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical

Summer in the mountains can’t be beat – if your home is ready for it. 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.

Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Summer