New Homeowner? Here are 7 Great Summer Tips You Should Know!

June 03, 2024

According to the National Association of Realtors, June is often the most popular month for purchasing a home. And it makes sense. After all, the weather is decent, the kids are out of school, and people are often looking for a fresh start. It’s the perfect time to make a change!

Are you in this category? If so, and you’re purchasing your first home, then you’re in for a treat. This month our experts are sharing secrets that every new homeowner should know. (And if you’re a veteran homeowner, you may learn something, too)!

Things to Know When You Own a Home

Purchasing a home is an exciting time, especially for first-time buyers. The freedom to decorate how you wish and create a new space for your family is a great feeling. But once the excitement fades, reality sets in and homeowners are faced with the responsibility of everyday home maintenance! To help prepare you for what may lie ahead, we’ve put together some plumbing and HVAC advice that should help when trouble pops up.

Here are some things to keep in mind this summer.

Clogged drains

Clogged pipes? Sometimes pouring boiling water down a drain can loosen hair that might be stuck in your pipes. You can also use a home remedy of baking soda and vinegar to clear and freshen drains. A general ratio is ½ cup of baking soda to one cup of vinegar. First pour boiling water down the drain, then add baking soda followed by vinegar. Let it set for 10 minutes before flushing with boiling water again. If all else fails, call us. We are happy to perform drain cleaning service for you!

Leaks

Think your toilet might be leaking? It’s best to fix a leaky toilet right away before larger issues happen. To see if you have a leak, place a drop or two of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the color ends up in your bowl, then your tank is leaking. To save on water use and prevent further damage, call our team for a repair.

Watering

If your lawn or garden needs watering, do it early in the morning or later in the evening. When the sun is not hot, the soil will retain moisture better and not evaporate——all the while saving you from watering more often!

Air conditioning

The first time you turn on your cooling system after moving into your new home— keep it comfortable. But don’t set it too low. Dropping the temperature drastically is not going to cool your home any quicker. In fact, it’s smarter and more energy efficient to keep the thermostat set at a comfortable setting (somewhere between 72 and 76 degrees). Don’t worry, the system will do its job and work its magic to cool the home. Again, if you force your system too low you could be looking at the need for unwanted emergency AC repair.

Air filters

The secret to keeping your system in top shape and avoiding premature HVAC replacement? That’s easy—regular air filter changes will help keep your system running at top efficiency and help prevent breakdowns. We recommend changing your air filters every three months. Of course, homeowners with pets or smokers in the home can often benefit from changing them more often.

Ceiling fans

Using ceiling fans to keep cool in summer is another great option. To help save on cooling costs in the summer, be sure your fan is in the counterclockwise position. This will create a downdraft and assist in keeping your room comfy and cool.

Maintenance

It is critical to maintain your plumbing and HVAC systems during the summer.
Professional maintenance is a terrific way to save money over the entire year and ensure that your systems are working at top efficiency. Also, as a new homeowner, don’t forget to get your sewer line inspected as part of your inspection!

Brothers Is Here to Help!

As summer heats up, Brothers wants you to know that we are here for all your cooling and plumbing needs. From water heater installation and AC maintenance to air purifier assistance and more, our team of technicians and plumbers are available seven days a week for service!