When we talk about savings plans, we usually focus on winter. After all, heating a house is expensive, and we will do everything we can to reduce winter costs. But many projects that are better suited to warmer climates can save you money, too. Here are 8 Important Spring Home Maintenance Recommendations:
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Clean refrigerator coils and air conditioners.
Your refrigerator and air conditioner work almost the same way – by exchanging heat with a coil system. If those coils are dirty and dusty, they cannot exchange heat efficiently, so the system must work hard and long enough to have the same cooling effect. Fortunately, cleaning these coils is easy. Just take a vacuum pipe on the coils on the back of your refrigerator. For an outdoor air conditioner unit, you will need to disassemble the casing (ensures the power of the unit is turned off first), and clean using a canned air and/or a stiff brush and spray bottle.
Set the ambient temperature, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Yes, it costs money to get an HVAC specialist to look after your system. But general care costs much less than major road repairs. So call and edit your HVAC configuration now. To save more, check out websites like Groupon, Amazon Local, and Angie listing for deals with local HVAC companies.
Inspect and repair your roof.
Spring is the time to go out on the roof to check for snow, hail, or winter water damage. Repairing minor damage can be quick fixes, and staying on top of your roof (no pun intended) can save you money by avoiding water damage over time.
Clean the gates.
This can be a long spring job for many, but it is important, especially if you live in an area with the April rains.
Water does not pass well in closed gutters. And that means a lot of water comes close to the foundation of your house. This may not cause problems immediately, but over time, too much water near the foundation can cause damage and weakening, which are expensive to fix later.
Clean the drying hole.
As your refrigerator does not work well with dusty coils, your dryer works best with a lint-filled space. Even if you clean the lint trap before the entire load, you will still get the lint from the vent pipe, which builds up over time.
To clean the vent, simply drain the vent pipe after drying and wipe it thoroughly. Then, remove the exhaust cover outside your house, and clean it on that side, too.
Inspect the washing machine pipes.
Over time, the washing machine pipes may crack, causing leakage. Occasionally, these invisible leaks persist for weeks or months unnoticed, usually because the washer is returned to the corner. This can cause mold problems, water damage, and more.
So while removing the dryer to clean the air, remove the washer, too. Check that the pipes are still flexible, and do not show any signs of cracking. If they look old or cracked, just change them. Easy to fix!
Replace windows and doors.
It is possible to close your doors and windows before winter. Unfortunately, even the best caulk can harden, crack and shrink when it is cold outside.
So check your windows and doors, and adjust as needed. Keeping hot air out of the summer is as important as keeping it indoors in the winter.
Plant trees in the right places.
As you contemplate landscaping this spring, consider planting a new tree or two. Mother Nature will surely thank you, and your heating and cooling bills may also have.
If your house is exposed to a lot of suns during the day – which causes heat inside – plant a fast-growing tree with two or two branches on the west, east, or northwest side of your home for cool shade.
And if you see the wind blowing in the cracks in your home during the winter, the evergreen airplane on the windy side of your house may be deceptive and block the wind. Before planting, make sure you understand how the tree will grow to maturity, to avoid potentially costly problems arising from a tree planted too close to your home.
