Its Spring Time! Can you feel the heat in Southwest Florida! As Temperatures start to rise, many homeowners begin to see their utility bills do the same! Between cranking up the air conditioning and using more water for outdoor activities, it’s easy to feel Anxious about utility expenses, But here’s the good news: PRO-TEC just released a few smart maintenance steps that can keep your home comfortable and your bills in check.
Buckle up because we’re diving into how regular plumbing and HVAC maintenance can make a real impact on your energy and water usage—especially during those warmer months when every drop and every watt counts!!
Plumbing Maintenance for Lower Water Bills
1. Fix Hidden Leaks
Listen.. We have all been there!! That dripping faucet or running toilet might seem minor, but small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month!! We are all glory of ignoring the little thing from time to time because like gets busy! Hidden leaks—like those under sinks can go on forever if not taken care of and can eventually drive up your water bill.
Quick Tip: Check your water meter before and after a two-hour window when no water is being used. If it moves, you likely have a leak.
2. Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures
Have you checked out modern energy efficient low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads that use significantly less water without sacrificing performance. These upgrades can cut water usage by 20% or more— that’s something a quick fix that will help in the long term.
3. Inspect Outdoor Plumbing
Spring in SWFL means watering lawns, filling pools, and maybe even washing the car more often. Make sure hose bibs, irrigation systems, and outdoor showers are in good shape and not wasting water due to cracks or leaks from cooler winter temps.
HVAC Maintenance for Energy Efficiency
1. Replace or Clean Air Filters
One of the simplest (but most forgotten) tasks—changing your air filter—can reduce your AC’s workload dramatically. A dirty filter blocks airflow and forces the system to work harder, which means more energy use and higher electric bills! This is a simple task that most renters/ homeowners completely forget to do!
Best Practice: Replace filters every 30–60 days during peak use.
2. Schedule a Spring Tune-Up
Professional HVAC maintenance includes cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant levels, tightening connections, and more. This helps your system run at peak efficiency, extending its lifespan and lowering your energy usage. Plus, early spring is the perfect time—before summer heat hits. Check out our maintenance membership PRO-TECtion PLANS to keep your AC system running smoothly
3. Seal Leaky Ducts
If your ductwork is leaking air into the attic or crawlspaces, you’re losing cooled air before it ever reaches your rooms. Sealing ducts can improve HVAC efficiency by up to 20%, which translates directly to lower energy costs. This can often become a common issue that we have seen time and time again. The way to avoid it is to schedule regular maintenance with PRO-TEC to avoid high costing bills.
Bonus Tip: Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your habits, optimize settings for efficiency, and let you control your home’s temperature remotely. So this is key for any of you Snowbirds, many models even offer energy usage reports and suggestions on how to further improve! They can help you reduce cooling costs by 10–15%—and in Florida, that adds up fast.
Combine Maintenance for Maximum Savings
Think of your HVAC and plumbing systems as a team. When both are well-maintained, they work together to create a more efficient, comfortable home. Less wasted water means less energy used for heating. A properly functioning AC system keeps indoor humidity in check, which can reduce mold risks and strain on plumbing pipes. Check our PRO-TEC Duel maintains plans
Energy efficiency doesn’t have to mean expensive upgrades or complicated systems. Often, it’s the simple, routine maintenance that has the biggest payoff—especially in a hot, humid climate like Southwest Florida! So whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch this spring or just trying to keep your cool this Spring, a little TLC for your plumbing and HVAC systems can go a long way
Need help with your spring maintenance checklist?
Give Pro-Tec Plumbing and Air a call—At our 24/7 on call Team 239-261-1000 we’ll help you save energy, water, and money all season long.
