Most people acknowledge that spring cleaning is a vital and necessary task, but it’s not just the inside of your home that needs cleaning come April. Giving your house the following tune-ups will ensure a summer full of worry-free fun!
1) Tend to your furnace filter.
Once Jack Frost has packed his bags for good, it’s time to give his mortal enemy – your furnace – a bit of TLC. Your furnace filter should be either cleaned or replaced every spring. Some models can be cleansed with a hose and reused, and others need to be replaced altogether.
2) Prepare your air conditioner.
It won’t be long before the sweltering summer heat descends on you and your family, so why not prep for it? Give your cooling system a test drive and listen for any unusual noises. Clean leaves off of the outside condensing unit and ensure nothing is around it to obstruct air flow. Clean out the condensate hose. Call a professional inspector to screen for more serious problems.
3) Check up on your water heater.
Make sure your water heater is venting properly and not leaking.
4) Clear grease out of your kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
It’s easy for cooking grease to accumulate within your exhaust system. To prevent a fire, clean it out once a year. It’s also important to clean the stove top burners often to prevent buildup of combustible foods.
5) Investigate your electrical system.
It’s important to look out for a multitude of sins, including loose-fitting plugs, dead switches, burn marks, and uncovered outlets. These all lead to an increased risk of fire. Be sure to trip and reset circuit breakers and use the proper wattage in your light bulbs as well. Also test all GFCI outlets for proper operation.
6) Survey your home for miscellaneous repairs.
Are there any cracks in your driveway? How’s your roof doing? Have any water damage to your exterior siding or trim? The ravages of winter may have taken their toll in a number of places. Do a quick check of the exterior of your home before settling into the pleasures of spring. Also check the interior of the home to ensure there are no plumbing leaks or water damage. If repairs are needed spring is a great time to get them done.
7) Clean out the dryer vent
Lint is extremely flammable and can be potential fire hazard if your dryer vent isn’t cleaned properly. Be sure to clean the exhaust pipe that leads from the dryer to outside and also inspect and clean the vent flapper to ensure small animals can’t get in.
8) Review fire safety
Discuss and emergency plan with your family in case of a fire. If you don’t already have a fire extinguisher it’s a good idea to get one. Check it periodically to ensure it’s full and ready to use.
Test all smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed.
1) Tend to your furnace filter.
Once Jack Frost has packed his bags for good, it’s time to give his mortal enemy – your furnace – a bit of TLC. Your furnace filter should be either cleaned or replaced every spring. Some models can be cleansed with a hose and reused, and others need to be replaced altogether.
2) Prepare your air conditioner.
It won’t be long before the sweltering summer heat descends on you and your family, so why not prep for it? Give your cooling system a test drive and listen for any unusual noises. Clean leaves off of the outside condensing unit and ensure nothing is around it to obstruct air flow. Clean out the condensate hose. Call a professional inspector to screen for more serious problems.
3) Check up on your water heater.
Make sure your water heater is venting properly and not leaking.
4) Clear grease out of your kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
It’s easy for cooking grease to accumulate within your exhaust system. To prevent a fire, clean it out once a year. It’s also important to clean the stove top burners often to prevent buildup of combustible foods.
5) Investigate your electrical system.
It’s important to look out for a multitude of sins, including loose-fitting plugs, dead switches, burn marks, and uncovered outlets. These all lead to an increased risk of fire. Be sure to trip and reset circuit breakers and use the proper wattage in your light bulbs as well. Also test all GFCI outlets for proper operation.
6) Survey your home for miscellaneous repairs.
Are there any cracks in your driveway? How’s your roof doing? Have any water damage to your exterior siding or trim? The ravages of winter may have taken their toll in a number of places. Do a quick check of the exterior of your home before settling into the pleasures of spring. Also check the interior of the home to ensure there are no plumbing leaks or water damage. If repairs are needed spring is a great time to get them done.
7) Clean out the dryer vent
Lint is extremely flammable and can be potential fire hazard if your dryer vent isn’t cleaned properly. Be sure to clean the exhaust pipe that leads from the dryer to outside and also inspect and clean the vent flapper to ensure small animals can’t get in.
8) Review fire safety
Discuss and emergency plan with your family in case of a fire. If you don’t already have a fire extinguisher it’s a good idea to get one. Check it periodically to ensure it’s full and ready to use.
Test all smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed.