Tips to Avoid a Service Call

Get your cooling system checked before hot weather arrives.

This year our weather patterns have been more warmer than normal. It looks as if we're in for a very hot and humid summer. By having your cooling system checked now, you’ll be ready for the hot weather, and will know that everything is functioning at peak performance so you stay cool.

To help save on energy costs while running air conditioning, unplug appliances and lights that aren't being used.

Summer energy blackouts often occur because of over demands on energy grids when homes are running cooling systems. Appliances that are plugged in are still drawing energy even if they aren't turned on. Coffee makers, toaster ovens, and lamps don’t need to be plugged in all day.

Spring is the best time for a Sump Pump checkup.

Because your sump pump sits quietly in the corner of the basement you may forget about it until it is too late. The ground is often water-logged after the winter melt and a heavy spring rain can quickly send water into your basement, ruining everything that is stored there. One of the most common problems is a defective float so nothing triggers your pump to run. A check up by Summers & Zim’s will guarantee your sump pump is ready to work when needed. We’ll also check the wiring and breakers if your pump is electric. NOTE: Ask us about sump pumps that are not electric.

Be careful that mulch doesn't trap water at your home's foundation.

As you do your spring and summer landscaping, spreading mulch around your bedding areas keeps weeds down and makes the area look neat. But be sure the mulch is spread so that it helps water drain away from your home’s foundation; not pool around it. Whether from your own watering or heavy summer thunderstorms, water trapped and pooling along the homes foundation can cause dampness or water in your basement and accelerate foundation rot.

Even if your cooling system seems to be running fine, it could be using more energy than needed. An expert can detect this.

A system may not appear to be in distress, but if your system is low on freon or your filters are dirty, your system will actually be working harder than necessary to keep you cool. A Summers & Zim’s technician will check all these parts for you, adjust your Freon charge if needed and change your filters.

Check your cooling system's filters again in late summer.

Summer brings with it many types of air-borne contaminants that afflict people with allergies and respiratory ailments. Normal build up happens in filters during the summer causing them to be inefficient by the time the September ragweed season arrives. Fall is also a time when the air is full of contaminants and hot weather can extend into September. Replacing filters before September is a smart way to keep your system healthy as you phase into cooler weather.

Keep your air conditioning thermostat set as high as you can while still being comfortable.

Every degree upward that you set your thermostat will save you 5% in energy costs. Keep it comfortable, but not so cool that it needs to run hard. Also, a system that is running non-stop during intense heat can freeze up and stop working. If this happens you’ll need to shut down the system and let it thaw before you can restart it.

Keep your attic and eaves well insulated and ventilated.

Insulation will keep the living area under your attic or eaves much cooler during hot weather, and proper ventilation in the attic or eaves will prevent hot air from being trapped there. A cooler attic will keep your energy bills lower.

If temperatures and humidity levels drop over night (into the 60s or 70s), switch your air conditioning off and open windows to cool your home naturally while you sleep.

Cool air circulating in your home during the dark of night may keep it even cooler than the temperature you have your thermostat set at.

Close drapes, blinds and shades during the day.

When the sun shines on windows and patio doors they radiate heat into your home, making your air conditioning system work that much harder to keep your rooms cool. Drapes, blinds and shades that are closed prevent the heat from coming into the house and can reduce indoor heat up to 50%.