Warm summer days are the best for swimming and soaking up the sun, but the heat can also be getting the best of your home appliances. Extreme heat, summer storms, and power outages can damage your appliances and make them work much harder than they are used to. If you don’t keep an eye on your major appliances, they may unexpectedly break down or start functioning less efficiently.
- Fridge and Freezer
Your most commonly used appliances are the most vulnerable to the summer heat, especially if they are located in an area that experience high temperatures. When your refrigerators/freezers are in locations such as Texas where temperatures can reach up to 120º F, it forces your appliance to run longer and hotter to maintain optimal temperatures. Over time the parts and components of the unit will wear out and quickly shut down.
To solve this problem, place your refrigerator/freezer somewhere cool. Once you have found the ideal location, make sure that there is enough “breathing room” around the unit so it can release heat.
Another way to keep your unit cool is to clean your condenser coils frequently. When the coils become dirty and covered with dust and debris, it causes the compressor to run longer and eventually overheat. If the compressor is constantly being overworked it can result in long-term damage and will need to be replaced.
Finally, an easy trick to keep your unit running efficiently is by simply turning off the power saver in your refrigerator. This feature works by shutting off the heaters that dry up moisture inside the unit. In turn, when it is humid and the power saver feature turns on, condensation builds up in the door gasket and can quickly become encrusted with mold and mildew.
- Air Conditioner
Living in areas where temperatures can reach up to 120º F or higher, much like Texas, it is crucial to have an air conditioning unit to make living comfortable. Aside from cooling the house, your AC system actually removes the extra moisture in the air. However, when the heat becomes humid, your AC unit has to work much harder to extract moisture.
An efficient way to help extend your AC unit’s lifeline is to install a dehumidifier with your HVAC system. The dehumidifier will take care of the extra moisture in the air so your AC unit can work on solely cooling your home.
If humidity is not the issue at hand, the next best move to keep your unit running properly is by assessing the system’s coolant lines and cleaning its filters and condenser coils. It may sound like a lot of work, but if it helps you save money in the long run, it’s definitely worth it! Small maintenance tasks will ensure that your AC unit isn’t working overtime to cool your home.
- Water Heater
Even during the hot summer days, a warm shower is still the best way to relax. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning down the Water Heater temperature is a great way to save energy and prevent your system from using heat you do not need.
Lowering the temperature to around 120 degrees Fahrenheit is highly recommended. In fact, you can save up to $30 for every 10-degree reduction given the brand of your Water Heater.
Taking these precautions at the beginning of summer can save you a great deal of money and stress. However, it is never too late to start! Be sure to keep up on regular appliance maintenance tips to ensure you are getting the best possible use out of your appliances.
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