Home Maintenance Check List

March 09, 2011


Warmer temperatures remind us that spring is in the air and we all know what comes with spring – spring cleaning!  Now is a great time to check all of the nooks and crannies of your home for any energy inefficiencies or winter damage.  This year add a few simple home maintenance tasks to your routine and keep your family safe and comfortable while saving money.

Spring Cleaning Check List:

  • Schedule an air conditioning professional to inspect and maintain your home’s cooling equipment and ducts. By scheduling a checkup in the spring, you’ll beat the long waits and higher prices that come with peak season repair visits. You will also be saving money by making sure your air conditioner is working at peak efficiency. Air conditioners at peak efficiency will use up to 20 percent less electricity and last years longer.

  • Clean or replace furnace/air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters will restrict airflow and decrease the efficiency of your unit.

  • Bust that Dust! Dust can be a major factor affecting indoor allergies and asthma. You can reduce this by choosing hardwood floors over carpeting, regularly washing throw rugs in hot water, and consulting your air conditioning professional about air quality solutions for your home.

  • Mulch bedding plants and use soaker hoses to conserve water.

  • Clean out and repair rain gutters.

  • Seal any air leaks in the attic and basement (or crawlspace), and install weather-stripping around doors and windows.

  • Check the caulk around your doors and windows. This will help keep this summer’s heat and humidity out of your home.

  • Keep blinds and curtains drawn on the sunny side of the house.

  • Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. This should be done twice a year and with Daylight Savings Times (DST) coming up soon, now is the perfect time for this task. This is a great way to remember bi-annual tasks.

  • Add attic insulation as necessary; experts recommend a value between R-22 and R-49.

Don’t forget as you are doing your “To Do” List, you can turn to your Air Conditioning Professional for suggestions on how maintenance can help keep your home comfortable and efficient this season.

Sources: http://www.wecnmagazine.com/
               “20 Tips for Home Energy Savings,” Shane Bryant, September 6, 2010.

 

Last Updated: March 21, 2024