How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer Vacation

How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer Vacation

As summer approaches and you plan your vacation, ensuring your air conditioning system is ready for the hot weather is essential. Proper preparation can help prevent unexpected issues and keep your home cool and comfortable while you’re away. Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, serving Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta, and Fairhope, offers essential tips to prepare your air conditioner for summer vacation.

1. Schedule a Professional Maintenance Check

Regular maintenance is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioning system. Schedule a professional tune-up with Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical to ensure your A/C unit is in top condition.

Expert Tip: During the maintenance check, our technicians will inspect, clean, and tune up your system to ensure it runs efficiently during your vacation and the heatwave.

2. Clean or Replace Air Filters

Dirty or clogged air filters can restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder and less efficiently. Clean or replace your air filters every 1-3 months, especially before leaving for vacation.

Expert Tip: A clean filter can improve airflow, enhance indoor air quality, and help your system cool your home more effectively.

3. Check and Clean the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils in your outdoor unit can accumulate dirt and debris, reducing their ability to release heat. Clean the coils to ensure they function efficiently.

Expert Tip: Turn off the power to your unit before cleaning the coils. Use a garden hose to gently wash away dirt and debris, taking care not to damage the fins.

4. Ensure Proper Airflow Around the Outdoor Unit

Make sure there is adequate clearance around your outdoor unit. Remove any debris, grass, or plants that might obstruct airflow and cause your system to overheat.

Expert Tip: Maintain at least two feet of clearance around the unit and keep the area clean and free of obstructions.

5. Inspect and Seal Ductwork

Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can reduce the efficiency of your cooling system. Inspect your ductwork for leaks and ensure it is properly sealed and insulated.

Expert Tip: Use mastic sealant or metal tape to seal any leaks and consider adding insulation to ducts in unconditioned spaces to improve efficiency.

6. Check the Thermostat Settings

Ensure your thermostat is set to the desired temperature and functioning correctly. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better control and energy savings.

Expert Tip: Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re not home and lower it when you return to save energy and reduce strain on your system.

7. Inspect and Clean the Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils inside your unit can also collect dirt, which reduces their efficiency. Clean the coils to ensure they can absorb heat effectively.

Expert Tip: Regular maintenance by a professional includes cleaning the evaporator coils, which helps maintain efficient cooling performance.

8. Test the System Before the Heatwave

Run your air conditioner for a few hours before you leave to ensure it is cooling your home effectively. Listen for unusual noises and check for any issues.

Expert Tip: Testing your system in advance allows you to address any problems before the temperatures soar.

9. Clear Drain Lines

Clogged drain lines can cause water damage and reduce the efficiency of your cooling system. Ensure the condensate drain lines are clear and flowing properly.

Expert Tip: Use a mixture of vinegar and water to flush the drain lines and prevent clogs.

10. Use Ceiling Fans to Assist Cooling

Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air throughout your home, making it feel cooler without overworking your A/C system.

Expert Tip: Set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise in the summer to create a cooling breeze.

By following these tips, you can ensure your air conditioner is well-prepared to handle a heatwave, keeping your home cool and comfortable. For professional HVAC services and advice, contact Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical at (251) 288-5125. You can also click here to schedule an appointment online!

How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Summer Vacation

How to Prepare Your Plumbing for Summer Vacation

As summer approaches and you plan your vacation, it’s crucial to ensure your home’s plumbing is in top shape before you leave. Proper preparation can help prevent unexpected issues and give you peace of mind while you’re away. Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, serving Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta, and Fairhope, offers essential tips to prepare your plumbing for summer vacation. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment.

1. Check for Leaks

Before leaving, inspect your home for any visible leaks, including faucets, under sinks, and around toilets. Even small leaks can cause significant damage if left unattended.

Expert Tip: Fix any leaks you find immediately or schedule a repair with Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical to address them professionally.

2. Turn Off the Water Supply

One of the best ways to prevent water damage while you’re away is to turn off the main water supply. This step ensures that no water flows through your pipes, eliminating the risk of leaks or bursts.

Expert Tip: If you can’t turn off the main water supply, consider shutting off water to individual fixtures like sinks, toilets, and washing machines.

3. Drain Your Pipes

After turning off the water supply, drain your pipes to remove any remaining water. This step helps reduce the risk of pipes freezing and bursting, especially if the weather unexpectedly cools down.

Expert Tip: Open all faucets and flush toilets after shutting off the water to drain any remaining water from the system.

4. Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode

Many modern water heaters have a vacation mode setting that lowers the temperature and conserves energy while you’re away. If your water heater doesn’t have this feature, manually adjust the thermostat to a lower setting.

Expert Tip: If you’re leaving for an extended period, consider turning off the water heater entirely.

5. Clean and Inspect Drains

Ensure all your drains are clear of debris to prevent clogs and unpleasant odors. Clean out any hair, soap scum, or other blockages in sinks, showers, and tubs.

Expert Tip: Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drains, followed by hot water, to help clear any minor clogs and keep drains fresh.

6. Secure Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

Disconnect and store any garden hoses, and check outdoor faucets for leaks or drips. Make sure they’re securely turned off to avoid water waste and potential damage.

Expert Tip: Install covers on outdoor faucets to protect them from the elements and prevent accidental leaks.

7. Test Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump, test it to ensure it’s working correctly. A functioning sump pump can prevent basement flooding during heavy summer rains.

Expert Tip: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to see if the pump activates and drains the water effectively.

8. Inform a Neighbor or Friend

Let a trusted neighbor or friend know you’ll be away and ask them to check on your home periodically. Provide them with your contact information and instructions on how to handle any emergencies.

Expert Tip: Leave your plumber’s contact information with them so they can quickly reach out if any issues arise.

9. Securely Close All Windows and Doors

Ensure all windows and doors are securely closed and locked to prevent water intrusion during summer storms. Check for any gaps or cracks that could allow water to seep in.

Expert Tip: Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps around windows and doors for added protection.

10. Schedule a Professional Inspection

For added peace of mind, schedule a professional plumbing inspection with Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical before you leave. Our experienced technicians can identify and fix any potential issues, ensuring your home’s plumbing is in excellent condition.

Expert Tip: Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent unexpected plumbing problems and extend the life of your system.

By following these tips, you can ensure your home’s plumbing is well-prepared for your summer vacation, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time away. For professional plumbing services and advice, contact Roberts Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical today to schedule a service appointment today at (251) 288-5125 to schedule your maintenance service or for any plumbing needs. You can also click here to schedule an appointment online.