How Every Homeowner Can Easily Prepare Their Home for Summer

Ah, the summertime! Known to be one of the most sought-after seasons for many homeowners, the big day will arrive much sooner than you think. That being said, it’s essential to make sure that your home’s plumbing and cooling are in tip-top shape to ensure that your summer will be problem-free. Before diving into that to-do list, here are some suggestions of where to start first:

Examine the AC Compressor

When was the last time you gave your central air conditioner a proper top-to-bottom inspection? If you can’t recall, then now is the perfect time to do so! For starters, you’ll want to examine the compressor outside. When looking at your compressor (the big metal box, usually on the side of your house), take a close look at the wiring and see if there’s any breakage or loose connections. If that all looks good, move on over to the sides of the compressor and see if there are any bent pieces. If nothing seems off center, then you’ll be good to go.

Clean the Condenser Coil

Do you know where an air conditioner gets its cooling factor from? When you have a central air conditioner, the unit’s condenser coil (located inside the compressor) will create cold air when it comes in contact with Freon: the odorless gas used to cool down hot air. Believe it or not, this condenser coil needs to be cleaned to work efficiently. Now if your condenser coil has seen better days, then your unit will work twice as hard to produce cold air (any air at all). Of course, always feel free to call us to clean this part for you, because it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Clean/Change the Filter and Set Your Thermostat

Now since the outer portion of your AC is good to go, you’ll want to examine the parts that reside inside of your home. Start by reviewing your unit’s filter. If the filter is caked in debris or has sat inside your AC system for more than three months, then you’ll want to clean it or replace it, depending on the model (some are washable).

Next, you’ll want to check the thermostat. Examine the current settings and adjust them to those that would make your home feel much more comfortable when the heat arrives. If your thermostat has seen better days or you think that your home would benefit from an upgrade, then now is the perfect time to make the switch.

One of the best options on the market is a smart thermostat. These devices will not only make your unit energy-efficient, but they’ll also make it possible for you to control your HVAC system from the convenience of a smartphone!

Unclog Indoor Drains

Does water in your home seem to be slowly draining away? If that’s the case, then you’ll want to address that right away. To start, scout out which drains are causing the problem. Some of those can include, but are not limited to:

• Kitchen sink

• Bathroom sink

• Tub/shower drain

Once you’ve found the culprits, you’ll want to make sure that you only use eco-friendly drain cleaners to get the job done. If you opt to use chemical cleaners, then that can wreak havoc on your plumbing pipes and tarnish the environment, too.

One of the best drain cleaners you can make uses the following:

• 1 ½ cup of baking soda.

• 1 cup of white vinegar

• 1 cup of hot water

To use these effectively, first, pour a ½ cup of baking soda into the clogged drain. Next, take 1 cup of white vinegar and pour that in afterward. Once the two ingredients meet, grab a coffee mug with hot water and pour it in the drain. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes and then rinse with regular tap water. After that’s complete, you’ll have an unclogged drain!

Of course, if your drains still seem to be clogged, it’s always best to call in a member from our team to take care of the problem on hand. Once you’ve completed unclogging any indoor drains, you’ll want to step back outside and inspect your outdoor plumbing.

Examine Hose Bibbs and Outdoor Plumbing Essentials

Ah, the hose bibb. Known to be the primary source of water outside of your home, it’s essential to make sure that each piece is intact and not broken. If you suspect anything that seems out of the ordinary, then it’s vital to have those repaired right away. However, if all seems to be fine, then turn the water on and see if it happens to run without any issues or turmoil.

Once that step is complete, examine any outdoor plumbing that you may have. Whether it be an outdoor sink or a hose, no corner should be overlooked when it comes to the health of your plumbing.

Looking for a Helping Hand to Prepare Your Home for Summer?

Here at Stuart Services, we can help out! In addition to our expert plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical services, we also offer 24-7 emergency assistance throughout New Orleans. Explore our website to learn more about what we do, and schedule your service call using the online form or by calling 504-321-2079.