Spring is upon us, and it's time to spring clean your home! With the days getting warmer and longer, there is more time for fun and activities. We wait for this time each year after the cold and wet Atlanta winters. Soon there will be pool parties, BBQ's, and much fun to be had in the sunshine. Is your home as ready as you are for the joys of springtime? With these homeowner maintenance tips, your home is sure to be ready for the warmer weather and will keep you worry free until the next change of season.
Spring Clean Your Home- Top 10 Home Maintenance Tips
Clean out Your Gutters
Clogged gutters can redirect the flow of water. Whereas your gutters are meant to direct water away from the home, overflowing gutters can pool water in areas near your foundation or walkways. This can create an unsafe and potentially damaging situation.
Replace Your Filters
Now is the prime time to change out your HVAC filter. With the additional pollen floating through our air, it is a good idea to 
allow for your air filter to capture as much of the impurities as possible. Don't forget to change your water filters, refrigerator filters and any other filtration pieces you have in your home. Make a schedule and set reminders in your phone to create a worry free system.
Keep Out the Allergens
Along with changing your HVAC filters, reduce dust and allergens by decluttering your home. Dust and wash all curtains and blinds. Vacuum all seating, pillows and rugs. Don't forget the tops of doorframes and cabinets. Dust settles here and is blown into the air by ceiling vents. Reduce any moisture spots, such as under sinks, to help prevent the formation of mold. Check for leaky pipes and standing water.
Test Your Smoke Alarms
If you don't have a self testing smoke and carbon monoxide detector, make sure you test yours monthly. Set a reminder for this task to make the process easy. Change out your smoke detector batteries each spring and fall. This is a must for the safety of your home and family.
Clean Out Your Dryer Vent
Lint has a way of getting trapped in your dryer vent and can create a fire hazard. Remove your vent from the back of the dryer and use a brush to remove the lint from inside. On the outside of the home, remove the vent cover and clean inside using a dryer vent brush.
Perform Preventative Maintenance on Your HVAC System
With hot Atlanta summers in the near future, making sure your HVAC system is in top working order is a spring priority. Schedule your preventative maintenance. The seasonal HVAC tune up will better your air quality, check for potential problems, and help prevent breakdowns. You'll also increase the efficiency of your system helping to reduce high energy costs.
Clean Your Faucets & Showerheads
A variety of contaminants in your water can create a build up inside and on the outside of your faucets and showerheads. Calcium, rust, and other grime can form inside and reduce water flow. Unscrew the aerators and sprayers from your fixtures. Fill a bag with 1/2 water, 1/2 vinegar and tie around your showerheads and faucets. After at least an hour, rinse with and run the hot water. This will help remove any grime in and around your fixtures.
Install a Home Generator / Test Your Free Standing Generators
With spring storms bringing power outages, make sure to test your generators. Make sure you have fresh gas inside the generator and extra, in the event there is an extended power outage. Consider a whole home generator which powers on in the event you lose power and will keep your whole home safe and running.
Check Your Exterior Safety Lighting
With the longer days and warmer weather, families find themselves spending more time away from the home. Often times you may find yourself returning from gatherings and spring activities in the dark. Double check your safety lighting. Replace any burnt bulbs and direct the security lighting towards walk ways.
Clean Around Your Exterior HVAC Unit, Foundation and Walkways
You don't want to have to worry about HVAC repair when you should be enjoying ballgames and sunshine. Clean around your exterior unit to reduce any restrictions to air flow. Clear leaves and brush away from your home and walkways to prevent hazardous situations or the buildup of moisture next to your home. Bushes that grow along the home are a good hiding place for rodents and wildlife. Cut the bushes back at least a foot away from the home for a clean look, and to prevent animals from making a home so close to yours.
Whether you are enjoying your Georgia springtime in Marietta, Alpharetta, Cartersville, or Dallas, the same can be seen across the counties. The days will be longer, you'll be enjoying the warm weather, and your home will need maintenance to keep you safe and worry free through the season. Contact the Guardian expert HVAC technicians, plumbers and electricians to help you get your home in tip top shape. With our Shield Protection Plan, your HVAC system will be maintained and ready for the heavy summer usage. Our electrical and plumbing inspections can help isolate potential problem areas. Contact Guardian Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical today to get our experts to help you spring clean your home! Schedule now or call 770-727-1888.
