rattling-air-conditioner

Before summer starts in full effect, it’s a good idea to get your home in tip-top shape for Maryland’s sizzling summer. When peak temperatures reach about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, everyone wants to take a dip in the pool, not perform home maintenance. Get ahead of the game with Warner Service’s list of chores to do before summer starts:

  1. Clear vegetation. Your outdoor unit should be able to easily pull in air to cool your home. If it’s not efficient enough, try clearing any vegetation from the surrounding area. Any gardens or shrubbery should be planted at least 2 feet away from the unit. This will create a good amount of shade to keep the appliance cool, and it’ll help control critters looking for a healthy snack or a temporary home.

  2. Clean the storm drain. With all of that late spring rain in the Frederick area this year, make sure you clean the storm drain. Carefully remove any debris that’s blocking the flow of water.

  3. Seal any cracks in the walls, windows, and foundation. If you decide to crank your air conditioner this summer (even though you could use these tips to keep cool without breaking the bank), you’ll want to seal any cracks in the walls, windows, and foundation first. Cooling your home can get expensive, so make sure you don’t waste a penny by professionally sealing those cracks.

  4. Test the thermostat. This is easiest with a programmable thermostat. Make sure your HVAC system responds to the thermostat before the hot weather arrives. Simply turn on your A/C unit, and if your home doesn’t feel cool, try to troubleshoot it or call an expert to investigate the problem.

  5. Replace your air filter. We sound like a broken record, but replacing your air filter is so easy, and it makes a huge difference in the way your HVAC system runs. Each month, replace your dirty air filter to promote a more efficient performance and decrease the chance of health hazards. The air filter should be replaced more often depending on how often smoke, pet dander, hair, and dust clog your home’s air.

  6. Schedule a maintenance check-up. Time to call in the reinforcements – literally. Give your local HVAC expert a buzz when you’re ready to schedule a maintenance check-up for your system. We’re not sure about the others, but Warner Service’s top-notch maintenance visits look a little something like this.

  7. Be smart using heat-producing appliances. This means use your oven, dryer, and dishwasher at night, so you can avoid skyrocketing energy bills. It also means avoid placing lamps, televisions, and computers near the thermostat as the small appliances might affect the reading of the room’s core temperature, which can also raise your energy bill.

Did you remember to do those chores from April? What about the set of chores just in time for the New Year? No matter what your efforts have been throughout the year, make sure you prep your home for summer. Rising temperatures can cause some serious damage to your HVAC system, so Maryland homeowners should get started on this list as soon as possible.

If you need help, call Warner Service today. We’d be more than happy to help you out.

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