Ready or not, summer’s on the way—and in Utah, that can mean triple-digit heat, sudden downpours, and everything in between. Summer is tough on your home. From extreme temperatures to outdoor drainage demands, your HVAC and plumbing systems face serious seasonal stress.

But don’t worry—a few smart steps now can prep your home for the challenges ahead. This simple maintenance checklist is packed with practical tips to help keep your home comfortable, efficient, and ready for whatever summer throws your way.

Let’s dive in!

Summer Plumbing and Outdoor Prep for Your Home

Is your home ready for summer storms? Before the summer rains hit, it’s important to give your plumbing and outdoor systems a once-over. From drains to sump pumps, a little prep now can save you from big headaches later. Let’s tackle those quick fixes that will keep your home safe and dry all season long!

1. Inspect Drains Before Summer Storms Arrive

Look for slow drainage, unusual odors, or gurgling sounds in your drains—these could point to clogs or other issues. Clearing your drains now can help you avoid bigger problems when summer storms arrive.

1. Look for Pipe Damage from Winter

Frozen or burst pipes can cause serious damage if not fixed. Inspect your home’s pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, for any signs of cracks or leaks. Taking care of these now can prevent costly issues when warmer weather comes.

1. Confirm Your Sump Pump Can Handle Seasonal Rain

Test your sump pump to make sure it’s working. Pour water into the sump pit and check if the pump kicks on. If it doesn’t, check the power source or clear any blockages. Be certain that your sump pump is ready for those summer storms to protect your home and belongings from flooding and water damage.

1. Turn On Outdoor Water Systems Safely

Before you start using your outdoor faucets and irrigation systems, inspect them for damage caused by winter weather. Check for leaks or cracks and make repairs so you’re ready when you need water outside.

1. Clean Up Yard Drainage

Clear out gutters, downspouts, and yard drains to keep water flowing properly. This helps protect your home from water damage during summer storms.

Inspecting your drains and preparing your plumbing now can help avoid bigger problems when the summer storms arrive. By checking key areas like your pipes, sump pump, and outdoor systems, you can feel ready for the season and keep your home safe from potential water damage.

HVAC, Fans, and Safety Tips to Prepare for Summer

Is your home truly ready for the summer heat? Getting your HVAC system in shape now can help you stay cool and save on energy bills all season long. From your outdoor AC unit to your ceiling fan and detectors, a little prep now goes a long way in keeping your home comfortable and safe.

1. Clean Your Outdoor AC Unit Before Summer Heat Hits

With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to look over your outdoor AC unit. This essential part of your system helps cool your home, and it works best when it has plenty of space around it for airflow.

- Check outdoor AC unit: Give your AC a quick once-over to verify that it’s in good condition.

- Clear debris: Remove dirt, leaves, and other debris around the unit for better airflow.

- Maintain space: Leave at least two feet of open area around the unit to help it work efficiently and avoid extra strain.

1. Replace Air Filters for a Fresh Start This Season

Did you know that something as simple as a clean air filter can go a long way in keeping your home comfortable this summer? As the heat rises, swapping in a fresh filter helps your HVAC system work more efficiently. It also does a better job capturing dust, pollen, and other airborne particles—so your indoor air stays fresher and healthier. And when your system doesn’t have to work as hard, it uses less energy and lasts longer.

Set a reminder to look at your filters regularly and replace or clean them as needed. How often you replace them depends on the type of filter you have:

- Fiberglass filters: Change every 30 days

- Pleated filters: Change every 90 days

- Washable filters: Clean every 90 days

- HEPA filters: Change every 6-12 months

Pets, seasonal changes, and allergies can all shorten a filter’s lifespan. Checking your filter every 30 days helps keep airflow steady and your system performing at its best.

1. Make Sure Air Vents Are Clear for Summer Cooling

In winter, it’s common to close or block indoor air vents to redirect warm air into cooler areas. But that setup can reduce airflow and add strain to your system. As the weather warms up, take a few minutes to open up your vents so your home is ready to stay cool.

- Check vents: Walk through your home and confirm that each vent is free from rugs, furniture, curtains, or dust buildup. Leave 6–12 inches of space around each one so air can move freely.

- Open vents fully: Keeping most vents completely open helps your AC cool more effectively while easing the load on your system.

- Support even airflow: It’s perfectly fine to leave all of your vents open, as long as your system is properly sized and balanced. Aim to keep at least 80% of your vents open to ensure consistent airflow throughout the house. This helps maintain efficient system performance and can even prevent unnecessary repairs down the line.

1. Seal Air Duct Leaks Before You Crank the AC

Over time, small gaps or cracks can form in your home’s ductwork, allowing cool air to escape. When that happens, your airflow and comfort are compromised, and your energy bill can rise as the system works harder to maintain the temperature.

- Spot trouble areas: If you have any exposed ductwork in your home, check for cracks, holes, or loose connections. If your ducts are hidden, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect them to catch any potential issues that could affect airflow and energy efficiency.

- Seal the gaps: Use duct tape or mastic to close off any leaks. Sealing these openings helps air move more effectively through your system and lightens the load on your AC or furnace.

1. Adjust Your Thermostat for Warmer Months Ahead

Your thermostat plays a big role in keeping your home comfortable and helping your HVAC system work efficiently. When it’s giving accurate readings, it keeps the temperature steady without making your system work harder than it needs to. But if the reading is off, your system may run longer or more often than necessary, which uses more energy and puts extra strain on the equipment.

- Test for accuracy: Use a simple thermometer to see if your thermostat is reading the room temperature correctly. If there’s a difference, look up your user manual to recalibrate.

- Consider upgrading: A smart thermostat gives you more control and can help fine-tune how your system runs—leading to greater comfort and better energy use.

1. Flip Your Ceiling Fan for the Season Shift

Want to make your home feel cooler without cranking up the AC? Ceiling fans can help by adjusting the direction of the blades. For summer, set the blades to spin counterclockwise. This creates a cooling breeze that pushes air downward, which helps your body sweat more efficiently and keeps the room cooler. With this simple change, your fan supports your AC to keep things comfortable and efficient. Just remember to make the switch before the heat hits!

- Switch the fan blades to spin counterclockwise: Turn off the fan and wait until it’s completely stopped. Find the small switch near the motor housing and move it to the opposite position to change the direction of the blades.

- Confirm the direction: Stand under the fan, turn it on at a low speed, and check if you feel a cool breeze pushing downward. If it’s spinning clockwise, flip the switch to reverse the direction.

1. Check Detector Batteries During Your Spring Walkthrough

It’s easy to forget, but keeping your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors up to date with fresh batteries is a key part of home safety. This simple step helps protect your home and loved ones from hidden dangers.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly in high concentrations. These detectors work with your HVAC system to alert you to dangerous CO levels that may result from malfunctioning equipment or leaks.

- Test monthly: Test your carbon monoxide detectors each month to make sure they’re working properly.

- Change batteries every six months: Make battery changes part of your seasonal routine to keep your home safe. (Note: Some newer models have 10-year batteries that don’t need replacing.)

Smoke Detectors:

Smoke is one of the leading causes of home fire-related injuries and deaths, which is why smoke detectors are essential in every household. They alert you to the presence of smoke, giving you valuable time to react in case of a fire.

- Test monthly: Test your smoke detectors monthly to confirm they’re working.

- Change batteries annually: Add battery changes to your yearly summer routine. Replace the batteries once a year or sooner if you hear a low battery alert. (Some newer models have 10-year batteries that don’t need replacing.)

8. Schedule a Professional Spring HVAC Tune-Up

Regular professional tune-ups are key to keeping your HVAC system in top shape and extending its lifespan. A certified technician will inspect your system, clean essential parts, and check for potential issues. This helps your system run safely and efficiently, which also lowers your energy bills! Plus, spotting small issues early helps avoid costly repairs and improves overall performance.

Experts recommend scheduling AC tune-ups annually:

- Schedule your annual AC tune-up: Regular tune-ups improve efficiency, catch problems early, and prolong the life of your system. Aim to schedule your tune-up before the heat hits so your home can be cool and comfortable.

In conclusion, staying on top of these simple steps will help you breeze through the summer months without a hitch. By preparing your HVAC system, adjusting your fans, and ensuring safety measures are in place, you can enjoy a cool, comfortable, and efficient summer at home!

Wrap Up Spring with Help from Black Diamond Experts

Maintaining your home and HVAC system doesn’t have to be overwhelming with our simple checklist. But if you’d rather leave it to the pros or want some extra peace of mind, we’re here to help. Black Diamond Experts provides detailed inspections and tune-ups to keep your home and systems performing at their best.

So, as you dive into your summer maintenance to-dos, contact Black Diamond Experts today to schedule your annual AC tune-up!