How to Prepare Your Home for Summer in Austin

No matter how long you’ve lived in Austin, it’s still hard to get used to the realities of the summer heat and humidity. With temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F, your home’s utilities must be ready to help you beat the heat. Take time this spring and early summer to prep for the season by following our summer prep checklist.

Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Summer

Get all of your home’s core systems ready for the summer heat with this handy checklist. While your AC unit does most of the work, don’t overlook how seasonal changes impact your home’s plumbing and electrical components!

HVAC Maintenance for Summer

Keep your cool. Get your AC ready for summer with a visual inspection. Start by examining the outdoor unit for any signs of damage, debris buildup, or obstructions around the evaporator and condenser coils. Inside, check the condenser drain for blockages or mold growth. To help maintain it, flush the drain line with a mixture of water and vinegar.
Switch the thermostat. After switching from heat to cool settings, monitor your thermostat to see if it maintains the correct temperature.
Get a tune-up. We suggest scheduling a tune-up for your air conditioning system before temperatures rise to prepare it for summer. Summer HVAC maintenance focuses on smoother transitions from heating to cooling, and our team at Fox Service Company will identify potential issues that could lead to larger problems down the line, giving you peace of mind that your system is in top condition.

How Do I Know When to Turn Off Central Heating for Summer?

It’s usually a good idea to wait for consistently warm temperatures before turning off your heating system for the season. Check the long-range forecast for overnight temperatures above 40°F.

Plumbing Tips for Summer

Despite an often mild winter climate, cold snaps aren’t unheard of in Austin, and they can be tough on your home’s plumbing system. As you transition to warmer days, mitigate summer plumbing issues by inspecting pipes, lines, and fixtures. Here’s how:

Check your water lines. Visually inspect faucets, fixtures, and easily accessible pipes for leaks, drips, or signs of damage. Don’t forget about outdoor faucets and underground sprinkler systems, which have borne the brunt of winter’s chill.
Turn down the water heater. Consider lowering your water heater's temperature by a few degrees. (120°F is ideal for saving money.) Take a moment to inspect for signs of wear and tear. Spring or early summer is a great time to drain your water heater tank to remove sediment buildup.
Inspect your sump pump. Look for debris, listen for proper activation, and use the test function (if available) to verify it’s working.

Find Summer Electrical Savings

Since most air conditioning systems run on electricity, a scorching-hot summer can quickly burn a hole in your wallet. Wondering how to lower your electricity bill this summer? Focus on weatherizing and insulation.

Proper air sealing and insulation can help reduce your home’s total heating and cooling costs by up to 15%, especially during the coldest and hottest days of the year. Summer is also a great time to invest in a smart thermostat, which can help lower your summer energy bills and give you the power to control your energy usage.

What Uses the Most Electricity in a Home During Summer?

It’s probably no surprise that air conditioning uses the most energy during the summer, compared to other major systems. The precise energy expenditure varies based on the size of the home, efficiency of the system, and indoor and outdoor temperature differences. On average, cooling accounts for nearly half of a home’s summer electricity consumption.

Get Your Home Ready for Summer with Fox Service Company

Beat the heat (and high energy bills) this summer with help from Fox Service Company. Count on our friendly, experienced technicians to provide reliable, cost-effective home services when you need them most. We’re committed to helping our neighbors live comfortably, year-round.