When you think about spring cleaning, washing windows and baseboards may be the first things that come to mind. While deep cleaning is very much a part of spring cleaning, it’s also a time to think about the systems in your homes. After having your home closed up all winter, air quality may need a refresh. Our heating and air conditioning systems need to be checked periodically as well. Spring is a great time to do this.
Heating and air conditioning systems
It’s easy to take for granted that when you adjust your thermostat, you’re going to get your home to the set temperature. When that doesn’t happen, it’s panic time. The importance of yearly maintenance on your HV/AC systems cannot be stressed enough. Filters on you heating and air conditioning systems should be changed monthly for optimum performance. But there more than to maintenance than that.
Your outdoor unit needs to be checked yearly. The coils need to be free of debris so that air can flow easily. Wiring systems should be checked for any damage; small animals can chew through these lines. Your coolant levels should also be checked. Doing this yearly maintenance can help prevent the need for air conditioner or heater repair in the future. It’s better to spend a maintenance fee to a professional than to have to pay for costly repairs that could have been prevented.
Indoor air quality
Another aspect of your HV/AC systems is how it controls the quality of the air that you breath. In the winter, you lock your house up as tight as possible to keep outdoor air from seeping in. You are continually breathing the air that is circulating through your home. Studies reveal indoor air can be 5x more polluted than the air we breathe outside. It’s not safe to continually breath in allergens, mold, and other pollutants daily.
As already discussed, change your air filters at least monthly. If you live in an area more prone to airborne problems, consider buying a stand alone air filtration system with a HEPA filter. Keep your floors swept, vacuumed and mopped year around. Don’t wait for spring cleaning to do a bit once over.
Always watch for problem areas
Keep on the lookout for problem areas throughout the year and not just when cleaning for spring. When knocking down those high cobwebs check the area for any additional things that need your attention. Check for air leaking in around window seals and doors. If you see daylight anywhere around your entry doors, those areas ned to be sealed.
Make a note of any telltale damp patches or staining that may indicate water damage. If you see any areas of discoloration on your ceilings or walls; investigate. Check your roof for missing shingles that could be letting rain get in. Your gutters are another area that could be trouble. Clogged gutters can cause rain water to back up working it’s way under shingles. Keeping unwanted water out is a major step in keeping your home damage free.
Clean away!
After you’re certain your home is free of any potential repair issues, clean away! Even as we’re still in the throws of winter you can get a head start on spring cleaning by scheduling maintenance. It’s likely professional companies are booking appointments several weeks out. So get on the list. You can get busy on washing windows and baseboards as the weather gets warmer, knowing your home is safe and well-maintained.