Every year, lots of customers ask me what they should do to put their heating systems to bed and to prepare their plumbing and AC systems for spring and summer. I’ve decided to be proactive this year and give you some tips so that you can be proactive, too. By taking steps to keep your systems operating properly, you’ll be all set to enjoy the season – without making any emergency maintenance calls.
- Once the outside temperature is comfortable, turn off the heat and open the windows. Enjoy the fresh air (and lower utility bills) until it’s too hot.
- Some of our customers plant bushes, ivy, ornamental grass, and other perennials around their outdoor AC unit to shield it from view. During the summer, they don’t realize that the plants can take over the area, impeding proper air flow and making it impossible for technicians to get at the equipment if necessary. Do yourself a favor: Trim your plants now, before your landscaping gets too lush and difficult to cut.
- With the beautiful warmer temperatures, unfortunately, come increased pollutants, and seasonal allergies. Your central air system, however, can aid you in your battle against itchy eyes and runny noses. First, inspect your system’s air filter. Does it need to be cleaned or changed? If so, follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer. For those of you who suffer from asthma or allergies, I highly recommend that you install an enhanced air purification and filtration system to help diminish the presence of pet dander, dust mites, VOC’s, and other particulates that can cause allergy flare-ups.
- You may need to adjust your air flow registers to balance the comfort in your home, particularly if you have one system supporting your entire house. Need help? Call Cooper Mechanical and we’ll take care of it for you.
- Do something you’ve always wanted to do: Install a gas line directly to your barbecue. You’ll never run out of gas while in the midst of cooking again—and your barbecue guests will thank you.
- Add an outdoor spigot right next to that vegetable garden you’re going to plant in another month or so. You’ll find it so much more convenient to water your veggies when you don’t have to hoist a heavy, muddy hose around the side of the house and through the yard. (Your aching back will thank you.)
- Turn off your home’s humidifier system during the warm weather. You won’t need to use it again until fall. Summer’s natural humidity will be plenty enough for you!
- Adjust your thermostat. On average, people set their thermostats at 68 degrees in the winter and 75 degrees in the summer. If nobody is home during the day, I recommend that you program your thermostat to maintain a more energy-efficient setting. Don’t have a programmable thermostat? Well, perhaps you should look into installing a new WiFi-programmable version. In addition to saving energy and money, you can program your thermostat wherever WiFi is available. This means you can turn your AC on from the grocery store parking lot so your house is nice and cool when you return from running errands. Or, if you realize you forgot to shut off your central air when you’re halfway to your shore house, you can flip the switch remotely with your smartphone.
- Most importantly, make sure to tune up your AC system by scheduling a preventative maintenance appointment with one of our professional service technicians. They’ll inspect your AC system and make sure it’s ready to keep you cool throughout the season. Don’t forget your plumbing system! It should be inspected on a yearly basis by one of our plumbers in Bucks County, PA to ensure your fixtures and pipes are in good working order.
Think you’re done? Not yet. Here’s your final task: Buy a case of beer, kick back, and tune in to the Phillies game. You deserve it after your hard work. Enjoy a summer of relaxing in the backyard, grilling on the deck, and cheering on the Phils, without any last-minute calls to a plumber or AC tech in Doylestown, PA.
