The Spring Equinox arrives every year around the third week of March. But when you live in Utah, chances are bad weather and snow continues through early April. Once the temperatures in Salt Lake City creep into the 60s, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to get your home ready for spring.
From prepping your air conditioner to deep-cleaning appliances, we’ve got 10 tips to get your home ready for spring so by the time summer rolls around, you can enjoy the warmer temperatures with your friends and family instead of worrying about maintenance around your home.
1. Clean the Windows
Before you dash outside to begin washing your windows, be sure you choose a dry, cloudy day for this task. Washing windows in the sunshine will leave hard-to-remove streaks, and who wants that after a day of window washing?
Use equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, or any household window cleaner, and don’t hold back when it comes to spraying the glass. Use a rag to thoroughly clean the window and follow up with a microfiber cloth to dry. The glass will be shiny and streak-free.
2. Tune Up Your Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner is an important piece of equipment in your home that oftentimes goes unnoticed (not to mention is taken for granted)—until it stops working. Utah is a desert, which means summertime temps can reach into the 100s…that’s not the time you want you’re A/C unit dying on you.
An air conditioning tune up should be one of the first things you do each spring to keep your unit performing at full-capacity. Consistent annual checkups can not only extend the life of your unit, but it can also save you up to 15% a month on your energy bills.
3. Clean the Gutters
Cleaning your gutters on your home is recommended twice per year. Heavy rains are common in spring and summer, so preparing now will keep your downspouts clear for those big storms.
If you’re comfortable on a ladder, completing this task should be fairly simple to tackle on your own. First, with gloves on, clear debris from the gutters. Have one bucket available for debris and the other to carry your tools such as brushes and trowels. Once the debris is removed, flush the gutters with a garden hose.
4. Tidy Up the Garage
When you live in Salt Lake City, salt and dirt from the winter roads get tracked into your garage, leaving residue and stains. Once spring hits, thoroughly sweep out your garage to clear out the debris.
If there are any stains on the floor of the garage, mix one gallon of warm water with one cup of vinegar and a squirt of dish shop and pour the mixture onto the stains. Scrub with a stiff deck brush to remove the residue and rinse with a hose. Finish cleaning out the garage by donating old sports equipment and categorizing products to make things easier to find in the spring.
5. Clean Faucets and Showerheads
Hard water and calcium buildup can cause havoc on household faucets and showerheads. Plugged outlets cause the water flow to slow, and the spray isn’t as effective. Clean clogs by unscrewing the faucet aerators and showerheads and letting them soak for a couple of hours in a bowl filled with equal parts vinegar and water.
Another option is to fill a plastic bag with the vinegar and water mixture and tie it around the faucet or showerhead, securing with a wire tie. Let the solution work for a couple of hours, brush the spray outlets and wipe down when you’re done.
6. Clear Away Drain Clogs
As homeowners, it’s common to ignore things like slow drains or backed up sinks, because they eventually drain and aren’t that big of an inconvenience. But ignoring these clogged drains could cause bigger issues in the long run. Don’t ignore those slow drains.
Drain cleaning performed by a professional plumbing company can keep your drains flowing correctly, helping you avoid major clogs or flooding. For more serious clogs such as grease and fat in your kitchen drain, hydro jetting is the perfect solution for those tough obstructions.
7. Replace Smoke Detector Batteries
In order to maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in your home, it’s important that you replace the batteries once or twice per year. Replacing batteries will ensure the units are working properly and they will protect you and your family from fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
To test a smoke alarm, press and hold the test button. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, it’s definitely time for a replacement. Unclip or slide the smoke detector off of its mount and replace the battery for optimum performance.
8. Deep Clean Appliances
Springtime is a great time to give your household kitchen appliances a good clean out and scrub down. In the colder months, people are often cooking more at home, and ovens and refrigerators often have spills and stains that are overlooked.
For the refrigerator, clear out the contents and wash down shelves and drawers with a sponge and warm water. If you can remove these and wash them in the sink, even better. Don’t forget to pull out the fridge and sweep off the coils and clear out debris from underneath. For your oven, follow your model’s self-cleaning instructions and wipe the debris thoroughly after cleaning.
9. Refresh Your Closet
Once the warmer weather starts to appear, it’s time to move spring and summer clothing items to the front of your closet. Stow away winter items such as boots and sweaters—if you can put them in the attic or basement to save closet space, even better.
Wipe down shelving and refold items on ledges. As your placing items back into the closet, now is a good time to decide if you like wearing the item or if it’s better suited for someone else. Donating items for others to enjoy is a much better use of those products rather than have them collect dust in your closet.
10. Prepare Your Outdoor Spaces
If you have an outdoor patio or deck, your outdoor furniture has likely collected dirt and dust over the colder months and is in need of a good cleaning. Remove the cushions and wipe down your tables and chairs with a mixture of warm water and dishwashing liquid soap. Rinse the furniture with a hose and let the pieces air dry.
Take the cushions and give them a good spray with the hose, preferably with an attachment. The pressure from the water should loosen up any dirt that has gathered over the cold months. Replace the cushions once they’re dry, and enjoy a drink on the patio.
Your home is a place for you to enjoy, and by following these 10 tips, your home will be clean and ready for the summertime fun and for years to come.
Call us at (801) 477-5818 or fill out the form on this page for help with any of your air conditioning or plumbing needs. We’re here to help.
