Summer can really be tough on your home’s HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. With the heat cranking up, humidity levels rising, and everyone using more water, it’s essential to ensure your home is prepared to handle it all. Don’t let these issues cut into your beach time. Get your home summer-ready with Assured Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing, and enjoy the sunny days worry-free!
Common Summer Plumbing Problems
While warm temperatures don’t directly affect your plumbing system, increased water usage sure can!
Most Americans use considerably more water during the summer months, primarily due to activities like watering the lawn, gardening, and using pools. Between 30% and 70% of summer water use is outdoors, and roughly half of that water is ultimately wasted due to evaporation.
Homeowners tend to experience more plumbing problems in the summer because that increased demand tends to intensify existing issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. Leaky faucets, partially clogged drains, and old, damaged pipes are more noticeable—and more likely to fail—as water demand increases.
The most common summer plumbing issues are:
- Leaks
- Sprinkler system failure
- Sewer line damage (usually from tree roots)
Common Summer HVAC Problems
As temperatures rise, so does your air conditioning unit’s workload. Summer temperatures cause your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump to run more frequently and for longer periods. This adds considerable wear and tear on your home cooling system and contributes to an increased risk of common summer HVAC issues, like:
- Refrigerant leaks
- Dirty condenser coils
- Blocked condensate drains
- AC failure
All of these summer home AC problems can have immediate consequences. For example, a poorly maintained AC system has a lower cooling capacity, increases your energy bills, and may require emergency AC repairs if it fails unexpectedly. As many parts of the country experience longer, hotter summers, more Americans are using their air conditioning units more often, and older systems are more likely to break down in the heat.
Read more: Five Home Energy Efficiency Tips
Common Electrical Problems in the Summer
All that extra AC use is usually powered by one source: your home’s electrical system. Unlike heating systems, roughly 52% of which are powered by heating oil or natural gas, nearly every kind of AC unit runs on electricity.
In the home, increased energy use can lead to overloaded circuits, especially if you use a window or portable AC unit. Overloaded circuits can cause recurring tripped circuits, overheated outlets, and risk failure or damage to any devices plugged into those circuits.
Summer Power Surges
Power surges can happen at any time, but they are more common during summer thunderstorms. Lightning strikes can cause these surges, which can damage sensitive electronics, including appliances, computers, and TVs. Since we experience numerous strong storms during the summer, we recommend preparing for power outages by using whole-home surge protectors to safeguard your devices.
Summer Power Outages
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 so you can easily see when the power has been restored.
Enjoy a Worry-Free Summer in Atlanta
Make the most of summer with professional home services from Assured Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing. 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!
Call 770-464-5745 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Douglasville, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas.