16 Easy Spring Tasks To Save You Money

Posted: May 31, 2018 by Andy

Spring cleaning is an annual tradition, but your springtime routine should go beyond straightening up and airing out your house and tidying up the yard. Most of these 16 tasks should only take a few minutes, and they'll save you potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars, so get started!

1. Humidity introduced by spring rains can wreak havoc on your home's interior, causing doors and windows to stick, and in severe cases, mold and mildew to form. A dehumidifier is your best defense. To help keep your dehumidifier working well, remove the unit's housing and let it dry completely. Vacuum every surface and crevice you can reach, and then replace the housing.

2. Spring is the perfect time to clean your bathroom fan. A good cleaning will ensure it runs quietly and efficiently. Take the fan's cover off, wash the cover with soapy water and clean dirt and debris off the fan blades with a toothbrush. Make sure the power is off when you're cleaning it!

3. Check the flapper inside your toilet every spring as well. If it's showing its age, replace it before it starts leaking and wasting water. It's an easy job, and the inexpensive kit is available at your local hardware store.

4. Remove the faucet handles in your kitchen and bathroom and clean their internal components to keep the screws from corroding. A cleaner like CLR works wonders on these, and this simple job has the nice side benefit of ensuring that your faucet handles stay tight.

5. Spring is one of the two times to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. An easy way to remember this: Change your clocks, change your batteries. While you're at it, vacuum the dust out of your detectors to keep them operating at peak performance.

6. Make sure you have a recently-charged fire extinguisher within quick and easy reach. Don't have an extinguisher? Now is the time to get one. Your insurance company may reimburse you for it as well!

7. Inspect the caulk around your home's windows and doors annually, and if it's damaged or pulling away, remove it and recaulk the area. Proper caulking keeps out heat, humidity, and moisture in the summer and also keeps out the cold in the winter - saving you money on your utility bills year-round.

8. Open and close all windows, inspecting them as you go. Do they open smoothly, yet seal tightly? If they don't, check the weather stripping and replace as needed. You may also need to adjust the window's guide rails to ensure smooth operation and a tight fit.

9. Remove the screens from windows and doors and give them a good scrubbing with soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry fully before reinstalling. Spring is also the time to take advantage of spring's milder temperatures and let the outdoors cool your home!

10. To fix small holes in a window or door screen, dab clear household cement over the hole. Be sure to test the adhesive on a scrap first, to make sure it won't melt the screen. Use the same technique to repair tears in the screen. Pull the tear together and hold it in place with tape on one side of the screen. Apply the household cement to rejoin the tear. When the glue is dry, gently remove the tape and glue the other side of the screen to complete the repair.

11. Clean winter debris out of your gutters and check them for damage from ice and snow. The preferred way to do this is up on a ladder so you can visually inspect the gutters and ensure they're thoroughly cleaned, but if you're not a fan of heights, you can find pole-mounted gutter cleaning tools at your local hardware store. Gutter screens or protectors help keep debris out of the gutters, but they can make future cleaning more difficult, so use your best judgment on these.

12. If a gutter is sagging, put it back into position by tightening its strap with pliers or by pounding its retaining spikes in with a hammer. Be sure not to over-tighten or hammer a spike in too far, or you may prevent the water from draining toward the downspouts properly.

13. To prevent basement flooding, make sure there a downspout's outlet is at least three feet from the side of your house. Use the following to reach that distance: Add an elbow and a pipe extension, use a splash guard that stretches about three feet, or attach a flexible extension hose to the end of the downspout and bend it away from the house.

14. Inspect and replace the filters in your heating and cooling system every month. There are a variety of filter types to choose from, depending on your needs. Fiberglass filters typically last only one month, while HEPA filters last up to six months and may be cleaned with a vacuum. If you need help choosing the right HVAC filter, give us a call!

15. Most central air conditioning units have a drainage hole or condensation drain line. It should be easy to see which of these your system has. If it has a hole, clean any debris out of it with a slender object like a straightened coat hanger. You can clean the end of a condensation drain line this way as well, and you can keep it clog-free by pouring a weak bleach or vinegar solution into it every month or so.

16. Have your air conditioning system professionally serviced before summer arrives. The harsh cold of winter can be hard on your outdoor AC condenser unit - make sure it's ready for those hot days. Call us today to schedule a tune-up and beat the rush - you'll be glad you did!

more great articles...

A Neighborly Guide to Furnaces

Maximize Your HVAC Tax Credits   |   Why Natural Gas Furnaces Trump Electric Ones

Why Background Checks And Drug Testing Matter   |   Why Is My Filter Wet?

Smoke and CO Detector Best Practices   |   Banishing Humidity Woes

Beware the Dog Days of Summer!   |   The R22 Phase-Out And The Importance Of AC Maintenance

Smart Thermostat Best Practices   |   Severe Weather Can Harm Your AC

Dirty Ductwork Dilemmas   |   Handling Household Emergencies

Why Isn't My AC Working?   |   SEER2 101

Better HVAC = Higher Home Value   |   My AC Sounds Like Running Water

Beware Animal Hair!   |   Air Purifier Q&A

How To Set Your AC When You're Away   |   Save Money This Summer

My AC Won't Turn On!   |   The Benefits Of A Central AC System

8 Handy Spring Cleaning Tips   |   Can I Finance An HVAC System?

My Furnace Won't Turn Off!   |   Before You Buy A Smart Thermostat

How Much Insulation Do I Need?   |   How The Inflation Reduction Act Can Help You

HVAC Basics For New Homeowners   |   5 Common Winter HVAC Problems

Programmable Thermostats 101   |   Can A Furnace Catch Fire?

Staying Warm During Extremely Cold Weather   |   Is A Heat Pump Right For Me?

Is My Heater Broken?   |   Let's Talk About Carbon Monoxide

HVAC: Why It's A Great Career   |   Winter Storm Safety Tips

4 Tasks For The Pros & 3 To DIY   |   When Should I Replace My HVAC System?

How Does a Gas Furnace Work?   |   6 Things To Know About Smart Thermostats

Do I Need A Humidifier?   |   These Mistakes Will Spike Your Energy Bill

How Long Will My Furnace Last?   |   All About Furnace Tune-Ups

How Does HVAC Zoning Work?   |   That Dirty Filter Is Costing You Money!

Thermostat Best Practices: Fan ON or AUTO?   |   Choosing The Right HVAC Equipment

10 Things To Do Before Using Your Furnace   |   What Affects Air Conditioning Efficiency?

Is Air Quality Worse In The Summer?   |   Keeping Your Upstairs Comfortable

The Dog Days Of Summer   |   Help! My AC Is Leaking Refrigerant!

Summer Furnace Upgrades Are Ideal   |   4 Common AC Buying Mistakes

Remove Those Hot Spots!   |   Older ACs Can Be Health And Safety Hazards

Prepping Your AC For Summer   |   Help! My AC Is Leaking Water!

A Bigger AC Isn't Necessarily Better   |   Landscaping Best Practices Around Your AC Unit

How Old Is My Central AC System?   |   Whole-House Dehumidifiers Vs. Portable Units

Air Scrubbers And Why You Need Them   |   Why Is My Home's AC Not Running?

Turn On Your AC After Winter The Right Way   |   Stop Those Pesky Air Leaks!

Why Spring HVAC Maintenance Is Important   |   Copper AC Coils vs. Aluminum

Your Thermostat Can Save You Money   |   6 Furnace Safety Features

Change Your Thermostat Batteries Yearly   |   Super Bowl Party Tips

How Your Gas Furnace Works   |   Winter Heating Safety Risks

Help! What's This Blinking Light Mean?   |   HVAC Maintenance Goals

New Year, New AC!   |   New Year's HVAC Resolutions

The 12 Days Of Safety   |   7 Signs You Need A New Furnace

Trane Comfort Specialist - What It Means   |   Optimal Winter Thermostat Settings

Ideal Humidity = Ideal Comfort   |   Avoid Cold Spots In Your Home

Save Money This Winter   |   Beware Of HVAC Systems That Go Bump In The Night!

Is My Water Heater Dying?   |   5 Reasons To Upgrade Your Thermostat

Debunking 7 Common Radon Myths   |   It's Annual Furnace Tune-Up Time!

HVAC Tips For Pet Owners   |   Fall HVAC Preparation Checklist

Back-To-School HVAC Maintenance   |   Let's Talk About Air Filters

How Does Central Air Conditioning Work?   |   Air Cleaners vs. Air Filters

4 Signs It's Time For A New AC   |   Exploring Your Central AC System

AC Repairs - Least & Most Expensive   |   Air Conditioning's Top 10 Benefits

Does My Water Heater Need Repaired Or Replaced?   |   Protect Your AC Condenser From Bad Weather

Air Purifiers 101   |   3 Factors That Affect AC Efficiency

Don't Let Mold Harm Your Home And Your Health   |   What Type Of Furnace Is Right For Me?

Add UV Lighting For Your Family's Health   |   Stop Wasting Energy!

Here's 5 Great Home Makeover Ideas For The New Year   |   New HVAC System On Your Christmas List?

5 Easy Tasks To Prepare Your Home For Winter   |   Let's Talk About Your Leaky Ductwork

Please Don't Cover Up Your Thermostat   |   Tame These HVAC Scares This Halloween

What Do All These Letters Mean?   |   6 Easy, Affordable Ways To Boost Your Home's Value

Low Temperature = Quality Sleep   |   What Does HVAC Mean, And What Does It Stand For?

My AC Runs But Isn't Cold - What's Up?   |   Is Your AC Prepared For Summer's Thunderstorms?

Something's Wrong With My AC!   |   How Can I Afford A New Cooling System?

5 Easy Tasks To Prepare Your Home For Summer   |   The Problem With A Clogged Filter

5 AC Myths That Are Costing You Money   |   My Air Conditioner Smells Gross!

6 Signs It's Time For A New AC   |   5 Easy DIY Projects While You're Social Distancing

Choosing The Right Thermostat   |   What Does SEER Mean?

5 Easy Tasks To Prepare Your Home For Spring   |   Improve Your Winter Air Quality

The R-22 Ban: Do I Need To Replace My AC?   |   8 New Year's Resolutions For Your Family's Comfort

Using Your Programmable Thermostat Well   |   I Need A Quieter Furnace!

Know The Signs Of A Cracked Heat Exchanger   |   Carbon Monoxide FAQ

What's The Best Air Filter For My Allergies?   |   14 Easy Ways To Winterize Your Home

What's Up With My Weird Thermostat?   |   A Yearly Furnace Tune-Up Is Essential - Here's Why

Window AC Units Can Be Dangerous!   |   Prevent Summer Weather From Damaging Your Home

Why Is My Air Conditioner So Loud?   |   Keeping Cool In Hot Weather

Is It Time To Replace My AC?   |   Central Air Is The Best Cooling Option

Is An HVAC Tune-Up Really Worth It?   |   Does My Air Conditioner Need Repaired?

How To Reduce Dust In Your Home   |   The Importance Of Annual AC Tune-Ups

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality   |   Reduce Allergens In Your Home

Warmer Weather And Your Thermostat   |   Prepare Your AC For The Season

Time To Replace Your Furnace?   |   Handling Extreme Cold Well

Home Insulation Saves You Money   |   Humidity Isn't Just A Summer Issue

My Furnace Won't Stay On!   |   How Long Should My HVAC Equipment Last?

Tricks To Stay Warm This Winter   |   Winterize Your HVAC System

Don't Close Those Vents!   |   Phew! Furnace Smells You Shouldn't Ignore

Leave Furnace Repair And Installs To Us   |   Preventative Maintenance Matters

4 Important Tasks Before You Use Your Furnace   |   Prepare Your Home For Fall And Winter

Caulk And Seal Like A Pro!   |   Dealing With Extreme Heat

Don't Neglect Your Furnace In The Summer!   |   Preventing And Dealing With Water Damage

Why You Should Test Your Air Quality   |   Smart HVAC Technology For Your Home

Keep Your Vents Clean And Stylish   |   Save Money With A Home Energy Audit

Why Is My AC System Blowing Warm Air?   |   Reduce Humidity To Stay Cool

Summer Energy-Saving Tips   |   Create An Allergy-Free Home

Is My Air Conditioner Low On Refrigerant?   |   4 Essential HVAC Safety Tips

16 Easy Spring Tasks To Save You Money   |   My Air Conditioner Is So Noisy!

5 Ways To Stay Cool This Summer   |   4 Common AC Problems

Spring Cleaning Checklist   |   The Importance Of A Clean AC Condenser Coil

Improve Your Home's Indoor Air Quality   |   Prepare Your Cooling System For Summer

Why Is This Room Warmer Than The Rest Of My Home?   |   Retire Your Old Thermostat