How to Prepare Your Home for Summer: A Cooling Checklist

Summer brings long sunny days and outdoor fun. It brings rising temperatures, too, which can quickly turn your living space into an oven. Preparing your house in advance helps you stay comfortable without spending a fortune on your power bill. A simple checklist makes the process quick and painless.

Upgrade Your Cooling System

Planning ahead keeps your home comfortable when the temperature rises. If your current cooling system is too old, you can click for air conditioner installation services to set up a brand new system before the peak heat arrives. A new unit runs much better and saves money on utility bills.

Taking action early prevents unexpected breakdowns during a heatwave. You can follow some easy steps to get your property ready.

• Check the air filters

• Clear the outdoor unit

• Seal the windows

• Clean the gutters

Manage Your Air Filters Regularly

Your air conditioner works hard to keep your indoor air clean and cool. When the system gets blocked by dust, it has to work twice as hard to do its job.

It is recommended that you clean or replace your filter every 30 to 60 days when using your system heavily. Another cooling industry publication advises that filter changes should happen every 30 to 90 days during peak times like summer. Keeping up with this simple task protects your equipment and lowers your monthly power bills.

Block Out Heat and Seal Leaks

Sunlight streaming through your windows can raise your indoor temperature very fast. This makes your air conditioner work extra hours just to keep up. You can prevent this greenhouse effect by shutting out the light before it heats up your rooms.

Close your blinds and curtains in the morning to block out the sun during the day. This keeps your rooms naturally cooler and gives your air conditioner a break.

Protect Your Ducts and Gutter Systems

Your home ductwork is responsible for moving cold air to every room. If those metal pipes have gaps, much of that cold air never reaches you. This leak forces the machine to run constantly without giving you the comfort you deserve.

Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of your conditioned air. This makes your system work harder and costs you more money. 

Maintain the Outdoor Condenser and Insulation

The outdoor part of your cooling system needs regular attention to run well. Dirt, leaves, and branches can collect around it over the spring. When this buildup occurs, the unit cannot release heat as easily.

You can clean the unit yourself by cutting the power and gently spraying the exterior with a garden hose. 

You must keep the area around the unit clear of weeds and shrubs. An air conditioning expert notes that your outdoor condenser needs plenty of open space to do its job properly. 

Keep Your Home Cool

Getting your property ready for hot weather is a great way to save money and stress. Spending a little time on these tasks now will make your summer much more relaxing. Looking for more tips and ideas? We've got you covered. Check out some of our other posts now.