High temperatures, fluctuating humidity, and increased water usage can cause serious problems for your home. Yet proper maintenance and preventive repairs for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems can create a well-prepared home that’s equipped for these seasonal summertime challenges. Discover how to get your home ready with expert tips from Yellow Dot Heating & Air Conditioning.
Common Summer Plumbing Problems
While warm temperatures don’t directly affect your plumbing system, increased water usage sure can! Most Americans use considerably more water during the summer months, primarily due to activities like watering the lawn, gardening, and using pools.
The increased water demand can exacerbate existing issues that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. Common problems, such as leaky faucets, partially clogged drains, and old, damaged pipes, become more apparent and are more likely to fail as water usage increases.
The most common summer plumbing issues are:
- Leaks
- Sprinkler system failure
- Sewer line damage (usually from tree roots)
Common Summer HVAC Problems
As temperatures rise, so does your air conditioning unit’s workload. Summer temperatures cause your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump to run more frequently and for longer periods. This adds considerable wear and tear on your system and contributes to an increased risk of common summer HVAC issues, like:
- Refrigerant leaks
- Dirty condenser coils
- Blocked condensate drains
- AC failure
All of these summer air conditioning problems can have immediate consequences. For example, a poorly maintained AC system has a reduced cooling capacity, can raise your energy bills, and may require emergency repairs if it fails unexpectedly. As many regions of the country experience longer and hotter summers, more Americans are using their AC units more frequently. As a result, older systems are more likely to struggle in the heat!
Read more: Home Energy Tips To Save Money
Common Electrical Problems in the Summer
Air conditioning units, heat pumps, and even your home’s ceiling fan are all powered by your home’s electrical system. While 52% of residential heating plans run on natural gas or heating oil, cooling is often entirely powered by electricity. That means summer heat can put additional strain on circuits, causing annoying tripped circuits, overheated outlets, and other problems.
- Power surges are also a considerable risk. Summer storms’ lightning strikes can cause power surges that may damage appliances, computers, and televisions. Homeowners in areas with frequent, strong storms should consider preparing for power outages in summer with whole-home surge protectors to avoid replacing their favorite devices.
- Power outages in the summer often result from violent storms. While inconvenient, they can also incur costs. When power is restored, electrical grids may experience voltage spikes similar to those caused by lightning strikes. To prepare, unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges and leave one light on to know when power returns.
There’s No Place Like Raleigh in Peak Summer
Make the most of summer with professional home services from Yellow Dot Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will inspect your home’s system and make reliable recommendations to prevent damage and prolong the functional lifespan of your equipment. Enjoy a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient summer with no unexpected problems!
Call 919-925-4235 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding areas.