The official start of summer is only a few weeks away! And, this summer, more of us will likely be staying at home following CDC COVID-19 Guidelines. A full household means you’ll be relying on your HVAC and plumbing more than usual to keep your family comfortable, safe, and healthy. This is why you should make sure your home systems are in tip-top shape and ready for your San Diego Staycation!
Now, before you run online to purchase an array of new pool inflatables or yard decor (we’re looking at you, infamous lawn gnomes!), your friends at Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air are here to help with an array of summertime prep tips that will set you up for success!
To start, let’s talk about one of the most essential pieces to the homeowner puzzle: your central air conditioning unit!
Preparing Your Home For Summer
Schedule an AC Maintenance Appointment
When you’re a homeowner in Southern California, you may consider your central air conditioner to be your best friend. Let’s face it: it’s there for you on those mildly hot days as well as those “scorchers” in the summertime. However, if you don’t maintain it properly, there’s a chance that it will stop working when you need it the most.
Before the first official day of summer arrives, it’s essential to schedule an AC Tune-up and Safety Inspection. Doing this will ensure that your central cooling system is set up for success (and will not fail unexpectedly), keeping you and your family comfortable, and help maintain your unit’s warranty.
When you schedule your annual AC tune-up, your expert technician will inspect it from top to bottom, including the following areas:
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Check fan rotation
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Test for proper airflow
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Inspect and clean condenser coil
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Examine AC installation quality
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Test temperature difference across evaporator coil
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Inspect contact points
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Lubricate moving components
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Test all electrical connections/check voltage
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Clean and/or replace AC filter
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Test refrigerant pressure and temperature
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Conduct a visual check for Freon leaks
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Determine the temperature difference between supply and return air
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Check wiring from disconnect switch to AC unit
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Test for unusual noises, vibrations, odors, etc.
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Examine the overall equipment condition
During your San Diego air conditioning tune-up service, our technicians can catch and address any minor issues before they have the chance to develop into major problems. We’ll also ensure that your AC is up to local codes and that the original installation was correctly carried out.
And, if your system recently celebrated a milestone birthday, and has needed multiple repairs over the years, it may be wise to consider looking into having a new, efficient cooling system installed in your home.
Additional benefits to consider when you schedule an AC tune-up with our team!
Consider a New Central Cooling System
If you feel as if your unit has seen better, cooler days, or you know your HVAC technician’s phone number by heart, it may be best to think about getting a new system installed in your home.
From being equipped with smart thermostats that can be controlled by a smartphone to operating with less energy, there are many beneficial advancements that have been made.
Now, if you’re on the fence about whether or not you should invest in a new, improved cooling system, here are some things that should guide your decision:
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Your current central air conditioner is over 10 years old.
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Your unit always seems to require repair.
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Your home doesn’t get as cool as it once did.
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Your energy bills are astronomical when you run your failing unit.
While these are only a few of the many reasons why you should upgrade your current unit, there are some other factors to consider — such as, if you were to put your home on the market in the future, a new central air conditioner would be a significant selling point; many potential buyers have this on the top of their list.
Now, if your central air conditioner is relatively new or in pristine condition, but you’re looking to cool another room in your home without ductwork, it may be time to look into the ductless AC (also known as a Mini-Split).
Here’s what you can expect on the day a new unit is installed in your home!
Have a Ductless AC Installed
if you live in a vintage home, have a room addition, or maybe a studio or workshop that cannot support ductwork, then you’ll want to consider a ductless AC system!
Without needing any significant renovations to be installed, this small, compact unit will be the perfect solution. To start, an HVAC technician will install the air handler inside your home (think of it as a sleeker, more modern version of a window air conditioner) and install the condenser for the unit on the outside of your home — it’s that simple!
This modern unit will be able to cool a room with the power of a central air conditioner, but it will also cost much less to operate since you’re only cooling a single room at a time — not your entire home.
Some other benefits of a ductless AC Mini-Split system include but are not limited to:
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They are ideal for garages, studios, and other spaces that don’t have ductwork.
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It can have up to four air handlers installed on one condenser.
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This device can heat in the wintertime; a perfect way to eliminate dangerous space heaters from your home.
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Unlike a window-based air conditioner, this device mounts to a wall and doesn’t take away from the functionality of a window.
Visit the Anderson Video Library to see a Mini-Split system up close!
Now that you’ve narrowed your options for cooling your home this summer, it’s time to think about improving your home’s indoor air quality!
Consider Indoor Air Quality Solutions
Now, more than ever, it’s essential to consider your home’s indoor air quality. While it may seem subtle, at first glance, under a microscope, it could be far from that. In fact, EPA reports show that indoor air quality has 3-5x more pollutants than outside air. From pet dander to significant dust accumulations, the list goes on and on when it comes to factors that diminish your indoor air quality.
However, there are some simple great ways to help get your home’s IAQ in tip-top shape:
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Whole-Home Air Filtration System: This device can help reduce the severity of symptoms associated with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Additionally, it can remove harmful contaminants and pollutants from your home.
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Air Scrubber Purification System: An Air Scrubber Purification System will help eliminate up to 98% of the harmful impurities in your home’s air, remove dust, and reduce the chance of mold growth — to name a few of the many benefits it offers.
Learn more about your home’s indoor air quality via the Anderson Video Library.
In addition to considering having one of these incredible systems installed in your home to help you and your family breathe more comfortably this summer, make sure to periodically replace your central air filter.
If you’re not too sure how to replace your air filter, we’re here to help!
Once you’ve taken care of your indoor air quality, it’s time to move onto your home’s plumbing!
Invest in a Water Filtration System
Nowadays, you’ll do anything in your power to ensure that your home’s amenities are stocked and safe for your family to use and consume, including your home’s water supply. While it may seem harmless to use, the water in Southern California is hard and can take a toll on your hair, nails, skin, and laundry.
Additionally, since most water is treated with chlorine or fluoride, it’s not wise to drink directly from the tap in your home. To correct the problem at hand, it’s best to consider a water filtration system for your home! Having this system installed in your home will:
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Eliminate the need for bottled water, since you can drink H2O directly from the tap.
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Provide you with soft water that is gentle on hair, skin, and nails.
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Protect your laundry, preserving your clothing from potential hard water damage.
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Increase the lifespan of your washer and dishwasher, as well as faucets and pipes.
While we’re on the topic of plumbing, have you thought about getting a bidet installed in your home? If you’re looking for the ultimate life of luxury and efficiency, but can’t fit an actual bidet in your bathroom, you may want to consider having a washlet installed!
Consider a Washlet Bidet Style Toilet Seat
Unlike your traditional toilet seat, a washlet hosts a series of incredible benefits to any homeowner. It’s the ultimate in personal hygiene. A washlet will eliminate the need for toilet paper and will leave you feeling clean as can be each time you use the restroom. Additionally, a washlet even has a heated seat, front and back wash settings, air dryer, automatic lid open and close, and is exceptionally environmentally-friendly!
Learn more about a washlet in Two Guys Talk Bidets!
Do You Need Expert Assistance to Get Your Home in Shape Before Summer?
The pros at Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air can help! Call us today at (866) 374-0402 to request an appointment and learn more about these incredible home comfort devices we maintain, install, and repair! Also, emergency service is available 24/7, 365 days a year.