Spring is officially here! And we know you’re ready for winter to be over. But is your home ready, too? Read more below about what you can do get your home in tip-top condition for the spring and summer.
Get Your HVAC Tuned Up.
Summer is your AC’s most challenging season, and it will be here before you know it! So make sure to schedule your HVAC tune-up this spring. A well serviced HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard as a neglected one. So your annual tune-up is your best chance to catch and prevent problems that could cause inconvenient breakdowns in the future. Plus, proper tuning and cleaning could help you reduce energy waste and keep your equipment running at peak efficiency— and you’ll see the difference on your next utility bill!
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans.
As you may already know, your ceiling fans help heat your home in the winter and cool your home in the summer — depending on which way they rotate. So when the weather warms up, you should reverse your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise to push cool air down the walls towards the floor and pull warm air up towards the ceiling. To tell whether your fan is rotating counter-clockwise, stand underneath and watch to make sure the blades are moving from the top left, down to the right, then back to the top again. To reverse their direction, turn off the fan, get a step ladder, flip the direction switch near the motor, and turn the fan back on at a low speed. You’ll give your AC a much needed break while saving big on your energy bills!
Seal and Insulate Your Home.
Warm temperatures and air leaks don’t mix. And all the cracks, gaps, and holes in your home can leak as much as 25% of its cool air! Sealing air leaks in your home is one easiest ways to cut energy costs. So make sure to seal leaks around light fixtures, electrical outlets, heating/cooling units, outdoor faucets, or phone/cable lines coming into your home. You should also insulating your attic and walls to prevent warm air from leaking into your home. Drafts from these leaks not only waste energy, but also cause humidity and stuffiness that make for seriously uncomfortable conditions!
Reset Your Thermostat.
A programmable thermostat is an inexpensive way to control your cooling costs without sacrificing personal comfort. You can save as much as 10% on heating by turning your thermostat up 7°-10°F from its normal setting for 8 hours a day! The US Department of Energy recommends simply setting it to rise a few degrees warmer when you’re away from home, and fall back to 78°F (26°C) only when you are at home. Keep in mind that the smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling costs will be. And if you don’t have a programmable model yet, consider getting one installed.
Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts.
Get ahead of the spring showers, and clean your gutters and downspouts before the weather becomes too wet. Your gutters are designed to divert rainwater away from your house. But if your gutters are clogged, then the water has nowhere to go but over their sides and into your roof and walls. The resulting backup could lead to leaky ceilings, rotting siding and even damaged foundation! If you’ve noticed water isn’t flowing freely out of your downspout, then your gutters are past due for a cleaning! And if you shutter at the thought of hand-clearing them, you can always ask a professional to do it for you. Keep in mind that some gutters may need to be cleared more than once a season, especially if you live around a lot of trees.
Have Your Plumbing Inspected.
A plumber can help you make sure your system is running its best and may spot signs of trouble before they require costly repairs. ARS®/Rescue Rooter® offers a Home Plumbing System Maintenance program that pinpoints leaks, blockages and other warning signs in all fixtures, pipes and connections before they turn into costly problems. During your Home Plumbing System Inspection, our plumbing pros will check. Drain and flush your water heater to clear away any accumulated sediment. You don't have to do this in the springtime, but since it should be an (at least) annual habit, now is as good a time as any.
Call ARS®/Rescue Rooter® at 866-399-2885 for all your cooling and plumbing needs.
