As spring approaches, many people begin thinking about all of the small tasks and repairs that need to be completed in or around their home. For many people, the first few days of spring means cleaning out closets, organizing kitchen drawers, and getting rid of things that they no longer use. However, there are several other tasks that should be included on your spring cleaning checklist. Here are a few tasks that you don't want to forget.
Get Your Air Conditioner Inspected
Having your air conditioner inspected by a professional should be one of the items that top your spring cleaning checklist. During the inspection the HVAC technician will test and calibrate your thermostat; inspect the blower motor, bearings, and condenser coils; replace the filter; and add refrigerant if needed. Not only an AC inspection ensure that everything is in proper working order before the summer cooling season begins, but it allows your to find and repair small issues before they become massive problems.
Inspect Your Windows
Window seals can deteriorate over time, and when they deteriorate, air from outside flows freely into your home. When the heat from the outside makes its way indoors, your air conditioner needs to work harder to cool your home. To determine whether or not hot air can enter your home from the window seals:
- Light a candle.
- Hold the candle in front of the window, near the edge.
- Slowly, move the candle around the perimeter of the window, stopping every few seconds to see if the candle flame flickers. If the candle flame flickers, there a good chance that outside air is entering your home through the window seal.
Purchasing and following the included instructions in a window seal repair kit should fix the problem. However, if the windows in your home are older, -- or you have windows that are cracked or broken -- you should consider having your windows replaced. Spring is a great time to complete window installation projects, because the mild spring weather is less likely to disrupt the temperature in your home. Also, having new windows installed, helps increase your home's overall energy efficiency, which could result in lower utility bills.
Clean and Inspect Your Gutters
If you're like most people, you probably haven't paid much attention to your gutters since you cleaned them in the fall. If that's the case, you should probably add "cleaning and inspecting the gutters" to your spring cleaning checklist. Fortunately, it's a simple task.
- Remove any debris from the gutters.
- Spray water down the downspouts to flush out any debris.
- Inspect the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are all in good condition and there are no areas where they've become unattached from your home.
If you do discover parts of your gutter system that are sagging, broken, or unattached, you should have the bad section replaced as soon as possible so that any spring rainwater drains away from your home like it should.
When you own a home, spring cleaning requires more than simply cleaning out your closets. It's up to you to keep your home running in tip-top shape, so don't forget to add items, such as replacing the windows, having your AC inspected, and cleaning your gutters to your spring cleaning checklist.
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