With the weather warming up, here are some tips to get your home ready for the season.
1. CHECK A/C
If your home has central air, having it professionally serviced could extend the life of the system, increase its energy efficiency and may prevent unexpected outages as temperatures rise.
2. CHANGE FILTERS
With allergy season upon us, it’s time to replace the heating and cooling (HVAC) system’s air filter. Use a High-Efficiency Particle Arresting (HEPA) air filter or one rated for a MERV level of 11 to 12 (instead of a lower number) to make sure you are capturing more particles.
3. SEAL WINDOWS AND DOORS
Inspect doors and windows for any gaps, and then caulk and seal those leaks to keep comfort up and energy costs down.
4. PREPARE FOR STORM SEASON
Clean out your storm shelter. Replenish it with fresh water, flashlights, batteries, and a portable radio.
5. VACUUM REFRIGERATOR COILS
A thick coating of dust and grime impairs the efficiency of your fridge. Give its cooling coils a thorough cleaning each spring with a vacuum or brush.
6. FLUSH YOUR WATER HEATER
Summer is a good time to flush your water heater, which should be done yearly to remove built-up sediment. The bonus to doing it in the summer? You can use the water to irrigate your plants or lawn!
7. UPGRADE THE THERMOSTAT
Consider a programmable thermostat. Many of the newest thermostats use smart room sensors to deliver the right temp to the right room at the right time, which is great for sleeping in the summer nights. Its geofencing feature makes sure your house is comfortable when you arrive and can help you save money when you’re away. Don’t forget to hook it up to Amazon Alexa, or another connected-home platform.