High temperatures, fluctuating humidity, and dramatically increased water use can wreak havoc on your home during the summer months. A summer-ready home is prepared for these seasonal challenges with the right maintenance and preventive HVAC, electrical, and plumbing repairs. Learn how to prep your home with expert tips from Patrick's Heating & Air Conditioning.
It’s Not Just the Heat: Common Summer Plumbing Problems
While warm temperatures don’t directly affect your plumbing system, increased water usage sure can!
With activities like watering the lawn, gardening, and using pools, many Americans use considerably more water during the summer months. Between30% and 70% of summer water use is outdoors, although roughly half of that water is ultimately wasted due to evaporation.
Homeowners often face more plumbing problems during the summer months. This increase in issues is typically due to higher water demand, which can highlight existing problems that might not have been obvious before. Leaky faucets, partially clogged drains, and old, damaged pipes become more noticeable and are more likely to fail as water usage rises.
Some common summer plumbing issues are:
- Leaks
- Sprinkler system failure
- Sewer line damage (usually from tree roots)
Common Summer HVAC Problems
Rising temperatures lead to increased use of air conditioning. Once you switch from heating to cooling, your AC can become a vital part of your daily comfort and health. As outdoor temperatures rise, your AC unit or heat pump works for longer periods and more frequently to maintain a cool indoor environment. This added strain can result in a variety of summer HVAC issues, including refrigerant leaks, dirty condenser coils, blocked condensate drains, or AC failure.
Summer home air conditioning (AC) issues can have severe consequences. A poorly maintained AC system cools less effectively, raises your energy bills, and may need emergency repairs if it breaks down. As many areas face longer, hotter summers, more frequent use of air conditioning units puts older systems at a higher risk of failure in the heat.
Read more: How To Save Money on Your Energy Bill
Common Electrical Problems in the Summer
Air conditioning units, heat pumps, and even your home’s ceiling fan all rely on your electrical system for power. While 52% of residential heating systems operate using natural gas or heating oil, cooling systems are often entirely powered by electricity. This means that during the summer heat, the electrical circuits can experience additional strain, leading to issues like tripped circuits and overheated outlets.
Power surges are also a significant risk during this time. Lightning strikes from summer storms can cause power surges that may damage electronics, including appliances, computers, and televisions. Homeowners in areas prone to frequent and intense storms should consider installing whole-home surge protectors to safeguard their devices against potential damage.
Have you ever wondered why power outages often occur in the summer? These outages are frequently caused by the intense lightning storms that accompany summer weather. While summer power outages can be inconvenient, they can also be expensive. When power is restored, many electrical grids experience voltage spikes that can reach levels close to those of a lightning strike. To prepare for potential summer power outages, it's important to unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges.
Additionally, it's a good idea to leave one light on if you lose power, so you can easily see when the power has been restored.
Enjoy a Worry-Free Summer in Ocala
Make the most of summer with professional home services from Patrick's 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!
To schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Ocala, The Villages, and the surrounding areas, call 352-329-3740 or contact us online.