Preparing the Inside of Your Home for Spring

Well, that winter wasn’t too, too bad, was it? A little nastiness for a week or so in January and that was about it (aside from our “white Halloween”). Anyway, the weather is changing. We’ve set the clocks ahead for more daylight. Things are starting to blossom outside. The kids are beginning their spring activities. With spring here, it’s time to do some things in the house to get ready. Here are some spring home tips:

 

1. Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. You should really check them monthly and replace the batteries every six months. You should replace the entire unit after 10 years.
2. Replace filters. Not just the filters that your AC tune up will handle, but also water and range hood filters.
3. Check pipes for leaks. Despite the mild winter, there were a few frigid days and maybe your pipes did freeze. One warning sign: if the water ever stopped or slowed to a trickle. So, check those pipes for leaks or cracks.
4. Be clean crazy. Here are a few of the many things you should do:
   1. Clean your dryer vent – no not the lint filter, the vent behind the dryer that leads outside. Disconnect the vent, vacuum it out and brush it with a dryer vent brush. Then replace the vent. Finally go outside and use the brush to remove lint there.
   2. Wash your windows.
   3. Clean faucets and showerheads. Unscrew faucet aerators, showerheads, and sink sprayers. Soak them in equal parts vinegar and water for an hour. Rinse and reattach.
   4. Wash walls, baseboards, and outlet covers with a mild soap and water solution, using either a sponge or brush.
   5. Clean your refrigerator coils (and the inside of the fridge while you’re at it).
5. Be clean crazy about the air, too. Clean air is healthy air.
   1. Absolutely no smoking in the house.
   2. Bathe your pets to get rid of dander and any foul odors.
   3. Clean your bedding, drapes, and upholstery.
   4. Keep hardwood and other hard surface flooring clean as well.
   5. Vacuum carpeting and rugs weekly with a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
   6. Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to ventilate air.
   7. Utilize plants – they help keep the air clean.
6. Get rid of stuff. If you haven’t used it in a while, think about whether you will really use it, wear it, etc. Donate items that are in good shape.
7. Have your AC tuned up. Not only will a properly maintained unit maximize comfort and cost savings, but many manufacturers require the tune up to keep the warranty valid.
8. Drain the water heater to remove excess sediment and minerals. Also check for leaks and signs of corrosion.
9. Reseal window edges to prevent the hot air outside from entering your home.
10. Replace damaged screen doors. Torn screens will allow unwanted insects to get into your home.

 

Contact Ravinia Plumbing This Spring

The expert plumbers and electrical and HVAC techs at Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric offer a variety of services and products to help you this spring. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 96 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we’ve made a name for ourselves as the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.