In the Midwest, the spring season is filled with rainy weather, sunny skies, and blooming flowers. One way to take advantage of the mild weather is to get your home ready for the intense summer days ahead. Take a weekend and do these simple spring-cleaning tasks to ensure your home is able to weather the change in seasons!
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Give your air conditioner some TLC
Few things can seem worse than having your air conditioner malfunction or completely shut down when the summer has just begun. That is why Commercial Service recommends having your air conditioner checked out in the spring; you can avoid the discomfort, and also the long line, as most HVAC companies get booked with appointments of those who waited too long.
Step one is to cater to the air filter. Clogged and dirty filters are an air conditioner’s nightmare. Monthly cleaning is recommended, but you should never go longer than a quarter of a year without cleaning off or completely changing the filter. After that, move on to the circuit breakers or fuses. Make sure that everything is tidy and connected. If something looks out of the ordinary, call Commercial Service immediately. Finally, schedule that spring maintenance appointment that was previously mentioned. Consider setting up a service plan, as well, which can allow you to prepay and schedule out appointments for a whole year.
Inspect the outdoor plumbing
Spring is the time to make sure that your outdoor spigots and irrigation system made it through winter. Remove any insulators you installed and turn on the water. If you experience a slow trickle, that could be a signal of damaged pipes, and a reason to call Commercial Service.
Take a look at the roof and exterior
A quick glance at your roof and exterior could reveal minor problems that have begun over the winter. If you cannot physically get on top of your roof, at least check out your shingles, flashings, and chimney(s). Things to look out for include: misaligned, cracked or missing shingles, flashing (those metal pieces where the shingles meet places like your chimney) for rust. Inspect the caulk around pipes or skylights to be sure it has not cracked, and joints between bricks or stones for pieces that have fallen out or have vegetation growing in them. When it comes to the exterior, look for paint chipping, scrapes, exposed wood, and rot. Consider power washing your home to give it a quick refresher.
Go upstairs and check the attic
Attics are not the most popular spots in the home, but it is best to inspect them before the temperature makes it unbearable to go up there. There are several things that could have gone wrong over the winter. Wear a dust mask, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from insulation and other irritants.
Be on the lookout for critters that decided to make your home their home for the winter. Clear up any messes they have made and be sure to locate their entry and exit point(s) so that they may be sealed. Another thing to keep your eyes open for are vent obstructions and wet spots. These could indicate a leak. If that is the case, it is highly recommended that you replace or add additional insulation. Another key to see if you need more insulation is if your joists are visible.
Commercial Service offers 24/7 emergency services and is always happy to send over a certified technician to assess any potential problems. For non-emergency repairs, schedule an appointment with our easy Online Scheduling or by calling 812-339-9114.
Clean your foundation vents
Next is the opposite end of your house. If you have a crawl space, you should have vents along the foundation walls. These vents provide air circulation that helps prevent excess moisture and mold growth. These vents are prone to collecting leaves and other debris, and there is no better time than the mild springtime to clean them, repair any damage, or replace them altogether. The vents can be cleaned by hand or even with a shop vacuum.
Do not leave out the windows
Windows should not be underestimated when it comes to keeping your home cool. Purchasing drapes that specialize in locking cool air inside of your home and sunlight out is a great investment. Also, be sure that any gaps are properly sealed.
If you want Commercial Service to take care of any or all of your HVAC maintenance needs, call us today at 812-339-9114. Our trained technicians are also available to answer other questions related to keeping your home cool and energy-efficient for the upcoming summer months.
