Spring Start Ups – Hints, Tips & Reminders
With “hot summer days and nights” just around the corner. It’s time to make sure you are taking action to keep your home nice and cool and your lawn nice and green. Here are some pro-active steps that we recommend you check to take sure everything is working properly during the summer months ahead:
AIR CONDITIONING UNIT
Clean or Replace the AC Filter:
REMINDER: The most important maintenance task according to energy.gov is to routinely replace or clean the filter. If you use your AC unit often, you should clean or replace the filters at least every 2 months.
TIP: Clean or replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%. This will help reduce your monthly utility bill!
Clean the AC Condenser coil:
REMINDER: The air conditioner’s condenser coils collect dirt over the months and years. This reduces airflow and insulates the coil, reducing its ability to absorb heat. Check your coils every year and clean it if necessary.
HINT: Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dirt and dust on the coils.
Check the Condenser Coil Fins:
The aluminum fins on the evaporator and condenser coils are easily bent and can block airflow through the coil, using more energy to keep your home cool.
Click on this link to see learn more about Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Electric – Air Conditioning Repair and Replacement Services.
EVAPORATIVE COOLER
Inspect the Water Line Feed:
Always check the water line running to the evaporative cooler – make sure there are no leaks. This is especially important if your line is running inside your home. The last thing you want is to flood your home.
HINT: Try to run the water line from your evaporative cooler to your outside water spigot whenever possible. This will protect the inside of your home from possible flooding.
Inspect and Replace the Water Pads:
REMINDER: In hot climates where the cooler operates most of the time, it is recommended that the pads be replaced at least once a month.
TIP: New pads help absorb the cold water and allows the blower motor to blow more cold air into your home.
Check the Float Valve and the Drain Tube:
REMINDER: Check your float valve and drain tube at least once a month to make sure they are working properly. Make sure the drain tube is not blocked with debris or broke and leaking. Make sure the float is set at the right position to shut the water off so the bottom of the cooler does not overflow.
Click on this link to see learn more about Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Electric – Evaporative Cooler Repair Service.
SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Check your Sprinkler Controller:
Depending on what brand of controller you have, most of them have a manual start up or manual test function. Use this to test each zone to make sure your controller is opening the valves properly and in the right order.
TIP: Try to set up your watering zones so that they don’t water the same areas twice. This will help reduce saturation and will use water more efficiently.
Inspect your Backflow Preventer:
Make sure there are no leaks coming from the Backflow Preventer and make sure it is working properly this will help reduce the price of your monthly water bill.
HINT: Your backflow preventer is what keeps contaminated water from flowing back into your clean water. Very important to make sure it is working!
Check all Rotors and Popups:
Once your system is turned on and each zone is working properly, walk around your yard and check to ensure that each rotor and popup are spraying properly.
TIP: This will help prevent over-watering or under-watering areas of your lawn. Replacing sod or applying new seed to your lawn can be a little costly.
Click on this link to see learn more about Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Electric – Sprinkler System Services and Repairs.
Making sure everything is working properly can be a lot of work at times. So, give Brothers a quick call at (303) 468-2294, we will help you make sure you are ready for those Hot Summer Days and Nights. We are always here to help!
