Even though it is April and the weather is currently mild Spring temperatures with lots of rain, don’t blink, because summer has a tendency to roll in quickly and without warning. I have no desire to rush these seasons, but we have so many new friends around town that I just wanted to give you all a heads up that our season change fast and summer temps def stick around the the longest.
Would you rather your heat go out in the winter or your ac go out in the summer? I would most definitely take heater going out in the winter only because I know we have enough layers around here to manage. A Nashville Summer is brutal. We have both heat and humidity. Thankfully Hoffmann Brothers Nashville is here to take care of us in either situation. I have teamed up with them to share top tips to make sure you are staying cool this summer.
10 Tips to Survive the Nashville Summer:
1. Install a programmable thermostat.
I am always on the hunt for ways to make life easier. With auto-scheduling capabilities, the thermostat learns from you and programs itself to keep temperatures higher when your family isn’t home to keep costs low. By automatically adjusting your home’s temperature when you’re asleep or away, the WiFi-connected devices can lower your cooling costs by as much as 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. And when energy costs are going up, every little bit helps.
2. Replace your air filter.
This is probably the easiest one if you are a Hoffmann Brothers Nashville Home Protection Plan member. These come straight to your door and are free for the life of your plan. Your HVAC systems air filter gets a lot more use during the summer. Not only does a dirty filter send dust, dander and other pollutants into the home, it puts added stress on the unit, increasing the chances of it going out on the hottest day of the year.
3. Install window coverings.
As a home decor enthusiast this might be my favorite one. We live in a newer neighborhood so we have to rely on curtains and blinds vs trees in nature to give us shade. I always look for curtains that allow light to come through and layer them with more light blocking for night time. That way during the day, I still get a lot of light without the heat.
4. Keep doors closed.
One of the first times I realized I was turning into my mom was when I yelled at the kids for the nonstop door-slamming coming in and out all day during the summer. It has been downhill since. But when the air conditioner is on and running, every opened door and window leaks out valuable energy. So when the kids are headed outside during these warm months, I make sure they have what they need to avoid this commotion.
5. Install ceiling fans in high-trafficked rooms.
As a home decor enthusiast this one pains me to write. Ceiling fans operate by pulling warm air up against the ceiling and then pushing it down against the walls to simulate a chilled breeze air circulation. For this effect to work, you’ll want to ensure your home’s fans are turning in a counter-clockwise rotation during the summer. Not all fans look like you’re grandmas. You can find ones that are aesthetically pleasing like these.
6. Search out and seal any air leaks.
Energy prices are high enough without having to cool the outside. Ensure your home is properly sealed. Best place to start is the stripping and caulking around your doors and windows and replace where needed. This also helps keep out some of the creepy crawlers.
7. Consider a whole-house dehumidifier.
As moisture in the air rises, it creates the ideal conditions for dust mites, mold, and other allergens in your home. Since we live in a humid region, and allergies are already abundant, it’s worth considering a whole-house dehumidifier. This can be tied into an existing forced-air heating and cooling system or installed independently.
8. Have your central AC unit professionally serviced at least once a year.
The technician will do a range of maintenance tasks that are beyond the skill set of an average homeowner, like checking refrigerant levels and making sure the coil has enough charge.
10. Call in the professionals.
While many of these preparation tips can be easily done if you are handy, a professional like Hoffmann Brothers can help you figure out the best techniques for your home.
Home Protection Plan
The HPP comes with 2 annual HVAC system tune-ups, free filters for life, priority service, a reduced service fee, discounts on repairs, and so much more saving you both time and money and providing you with peace of mind.
April Specials:
- $100 off Tanked Water Heater Replacement OR 24 month 0% financing with Wells Fargo
- $250 off Tankless Water Heater Replacement OR 36 months 0% financing with Wells Fargo
- $250 off a Duct Cleaning AND 18 months 0% financing
- $50 off any Service Repair (HVAC & Plumbing)
- $500 Off HVAC Replacement OR 48 months 0% Financing with Wells Fargo
Terms & Conditions: Expires 4/30/2022. Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer. Limit 1 per household.
Annual AC maintenance is a good thing that prevents many problems – thanks for sharing this! By the way, if your AC is old and you’re going to replace it, look into appliances with the SEER rating.
If you don’t know what SEER rating means, read the article: https://www.gervaismechanical.com/seer-ratings-are-changing-new-efficiency-standards-for-hvac-systems-in-2023/.
A regular HVAC filter replacement is important, indeed. But it’s also important to choose the right filter for your home. An incorrectly selected filter can harm the system and cause more harm than good. Here’s how to choose the filter: https://happyhiller.com/blog/air-filtration-options/.
I love the idea of installing a thermostat!! With the help of it, you can make your home more comfortable to live in and reduce energy bills.
By the way, we have a DIY guide to thermostat installation: https://servicetoday247.com/how-to-diy-thermostat-installation/. Feel free to use it!
Thanks for metntioning the importance of regular AC maintenance. It’s vital to have an AC maintenance expert routinely change the AC filters, drain the lines, clean the coils, and perform other related tasks. Doing so, will help avoid potential AC repairs down the road.
Also, remember to caulk around window frames, plumbing pipes, dryer vents and air conditioning units. This will help you prevent insects in home durng hot summer days.
If windows in your home are old, you may also want to replace them, and summer is a good time for it. Not only do windows keep you warm during cold winter days. Another of their functions is to keep you cool in summer, preventing heat air from transferring to your home. Energy-efficient steel windows will do its job and in addition to it, will help you reduce your cooling bills.
Yes, it’s important to have your AC serviced at least once a year, before summer arrives. It prevent your unit from premature breakdowns and increased energy consumption. It also gives you a chance to find out in advance whether your AC needs repair (we all know how unpleasant it is to find it not working on a hot summer day).
By the way, here you will find 7 signs that your AC needs repair: https://www.dashservice.com/little-rock-ar/ac-services/ac-repair.
Air filter replacement is an important thing to do – no doubt. However, not the only one. Check out this article to find out what you need to do to get your air conditioner ready for summer: https://www.sandersandjohnson.com/blog/getting-air-conditioner-ready-summer/.
In addition to the mentioned points, another valuable addition to preparing your home’s AC system for summer is to focus on proper air duct maintenance. Over time, air ducts can accumulate dust, debris, and even mold, which can hinder airflow and reduce system efficiency. Consider inspecting and cleaning your air ducts to improve air quality, prevent potential health issues, and ensure maximum airflow throughout your home.
Professional AC unit tune-up is important, indeed. All of these tasks, when performed by a qualified technician, help to extend the life of your unit as well as allow it to run optimally: https://www.edelmaninc.com/blog/how-often-should-i-have-an-air-conditioning-tune-up/.
AC maintenance is actually important. Check out this comprehensive guide to air conditioner maintenance: https://integrityheating-cooling.com/news-media/hvac-maintenance-everything-homeowners-must-know.
AC maintenance is actually important. Check out this comprehensive guide to air conditioner maintenance: https://integrityheating-cooling.com/news-media/hvac-maintenance-everything-homeowners-must-know
Great article with some valuable tips on how to prepare your home for the Nashville summer! As a Nashville resident, I can definitely relate to the brutal combination of heat and humidity during the summer months. I particularly appreciate the suggestion to install a programmable thermostat. It’s an excellent way to keep cooling costs low by automatically adjusting the temperature when no one is home. Every bit of energy savings helps, especially when costs are on the rise.