A Comprehensive Guide to HVAC, Electrical, & Home Performance Spring Cleaning

Spring is right around the corner, and for most people, that means it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning. This is the time of year when you might start to declutter closets and cupboards, deep-clean any carpeting and rugs, and make sure all the windows in your home are sparkling clean and ready to let the sunshine in.

Spring is also a great time to start thinking about the things in your home that you can’t “see”, such as your home comfort system, electrical system, and insulation. By taking care of the inner workings of your home this spring, you’ll be able to enjoy a more comfortable, more efficient home as well as a nice, clean one! In this article, we’ll share some tips on making sure your home is ready for the warmer weather ahead – keep reading to learn more!

Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Spring is the perfect time of year to make sure your home comfort system is working properly. Here are a couple of items to keep in mind when considering your home comfort system:

• Air Conditioning Maintenance: One of the best ways you can do this is by making sure it gets the annual maintenance it needs. Spring is an ideal time to call and schedule air conditioning inspection and maintenance. Regular maintenance will help ensure that your system is running smoothly and efficiently, which can help your system last longer and can save you money on energy bills. Clean up any debris, twigs, and vegetation that may have grown around the outdoor component of your AC system, as it will make it easier for your technician to service it.
• Change Your Air Filter: During the winter months, your furnace has been working overtime to help keep you and your family comfortable. Over time, the filter that helps keep dust, dirt, and other particles out of your heating system gets clogged and dirty, which can affect system efficiency. And, since your central air conditioning system uses the same filter, it’s important to change it regularly – most experts recommend changing it monthly for top efficiency. Not sure how to change the filter? John Betlem can help.

Spring Electrical Maintenance Checklist

Your electrical system is another important part of your home, and it’s a good idea to think about how you can get it ready for the warmer weather ahead. Here are a few ways to make the most of your home’s electrical system:

• Make Steps Toward Better Energy Efficiency: Spring will soon become the summer, and that means kids will be out of school, and you may be spending more time at home as well. Consider choosing energy-efficient electrical strips for electronic items like televisions, gaming systems, and computers. Replace any old incandescent lightbulbs with high-efficiency LED bulbs. Choose cold water cycles for doing the wash, as this will save on having your water heater working overtime on those spring-cleaning wash loads.
• Consider an Electrical Inspection: Many people don’t think too much about the electrical system in their home until they run into a problem with it. Getting an annual electrical inspection from a qualified electrician can help keep your system running properly, find any small problems before they become larger and more expensive ones, and help prevent hazards such as fire or electrical shock.
• Evaluate Your Outdoor Lighting: Outdoor lighting is often overlooked but important for you and your family’s safety. Motion-sensing lighting can help light the way when you arrive home after dark. And, attractive lighting in outdoor entertainment areas, such as patios, pools, or spas, can help make your outdoor spaces more inviting and can add value to your home.

Spring Home Performance Checklist

Home performance encompasses both your HVAC and electrical systems and some of the tips we’ve shared above are helpful when it comes to better home energy efficiency. There are a few other items to consider when it comes to home performance, including:

• Appliances: Spring cleaning is a good time to ensure your appliances work as efficiently as possible. Cleaning your refrigerator inside and out can help it keep food safer and use less energy. Make sure the lint traps on your dryer are thoroughly cleaned out, as this not only helps your dryer operate more efficiently but also helps prevent fires.
• Insulation: If you notice chilly drafts during the winter months this year, it may be time to consider updating the insulation in your home. Not only does better insulation help you stay more comfortable in the winter, but it can also help your air conditioning system operate more efficiently in the summer, too. And, improving your insulation can help prevent damage to your home, such as ice dams and frozen pipes.
• Water Heater: The older your water heater gets, the less efficient it becomes. If you’ve noticed a lot of fluctuation in your water temperature, rust in your water, or any leaks or pooling water around your water heater, it may be time for a replacement. Modern water heaters are made to provide you with improved hot water levels as well as better efficiency.

How can John Betlem help with my HVAC, electrical, and home performance needs?

When you choose John Betlem, you’ll get the full service you deserve for all your home comfort needs, including HVAC, electrical, and home performance. We provide complete services that include air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair, electrical maintenance, repair and upgrades, and water heater and insulation services. We’re ready to help you get your home ready for the warmer weather ahead. Give us a call at (585) 632-7078 and we’ll be happy to talk to you about the services we offer and schedule an appointment.