At long last, spring has arrived. The bitter cold has passed (mostly), and it is the time of year to enjoy the sun and warmth.
We can’t let this time pass without offering maintenance suggestions for around the home. We’re not talking about the usual spring cleaning tasks but some of the most critical home maintenance tips that involve filters. Without the regular maintenance of household filters, the energy efficiency of your HVAC system can drop, indoor air pollution increases, and water quality declines.
Yes, filters are that important.
We’ve compiled a spring home maintenance checklist to make prepping your home for spring easy.
Replace Your Furnace Air Filters
Furnace Air Filters should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on your living conditions and indoor air quality. With the proper furnace filter, you can reduce harmful airborne contaminants in your home, such as dirt, dust, and various airborne allergens.
Air filters capture harmful air pollutants so you and your family can breathe cleaner air. Consistent filter maintenance will help limit respiratory side effects (such as allergy flare-ups) that indoor air pollution can cause.
By not replacing your furnace filter regularly, you are doing a considerable disservice to your home furnace system. Neglecting filter maintenance will shorten the system’s lifespan and can lead to costly repairs or replacements.
For information on which air filter to choose, see Three Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Air Filter. We offer a complete line of furnace air filters to provide you and your family with the best indoor air quality.
Replace Your Refrigerator Water Filters
Refrigerator Water Filters deliver refreshingly clean and cold water via your refrigerator water dispenser.
Depending on which refrigerator water filter you choose, it will reduce contaminants such as chlorine, tastes, odors, lead, and more. In addition, refrigerator water filters provide clean ice, so any drinks you serve will be crisp and free of bitter taste.
Regularly replacing your fridge filter ensures superior water quality for everyone in your home. The recommendation is to change your refrigerator water filter every 6 months to ensure quality.
Your choice of refrigerator filter depends on which is compatible with your home refrigerator. To assess compatibility information, consult your owner’s manual or look at the model number on your existing refrigerator filter. You can also use our Filter Finder Tool by answering a few simple questions about your refrigerator.
Replace the Filters in Your Air Purifier
Air Purifiers help “purify” the air in your home by reducing indoor allergens and other airborne contaminants. They continually pull in air, filter it, and recirculate it into the space. In addition to installing a furnace filter, having an air purifier is one of the most essential steps to clean up indoor air.
Failure to regularly change your filter will result in reduced efficiency and eventual failure of the air purifier. Replacing the filter varies for different makes and brands, so consult your owner’s manual. Once you find your correct filter replacement, please browse our website to place your order.
If you don’t own an air purifier, now is the perfect time to order one for allergy and asthma relief.
Change the Battery in Your Smoke Alarm
Smoke alarms are among the most critical fire safety devices for the home. The changing of the seasons is an opportune time to change the batteries in the alarm (and your carbon monoxide detector, too, if you have one).
You should also test your smoke alarm while changing the batteries. Smoke alarms should be tested once a month and may include a test button that checks the entire alarm system when you push it. Ensuring that your smoke alarm works properly is, quite honestly, the difference between life and death.
Clean Your Gutters
Spring is the perfect time to clean your gutters.
Your first step should be to clean your gutters. During the fall and winter, gutters collect leaves and other debris, so ensuring they’re clear is essential. Run water through them after you clean them to ensure any debris you can’t see gets dislodged. Gutter guards are a good thing to consider to prevent leaf build-up.
It’s also a good idea to inspect your gutters for cracks, holes, and signs of rust. While you’re at it, check to make sure there are no loose fasteners or supports that need repair.
Don’t forget to make sure that downspouts are debris-free and pointing downward.
Other Maintenance Suggestions
- Check your roof and around vents for leaks and repair them as necessary.
- Have your air conditioning unit serviced.
- Check for leaky faucets in the kitchen and bathroom(s).
- Inspect your washing machine for grime or detergent build-up.
- Clear out any lint buildup from your clothes dryer.
- Check on your water heater to make sure it is in working order.
- Look for water damage around places where standing water collects.
For ways to conserve energy during colder months, see our suggestions in Energy Conserving Tips for “Fall Back” Savings.
Emily Bennette says
This is some really good information about home maintenance. It is good to know that it would be smart to replace several filters in the springtime. I would have never thought about replacing the water filter in a refrigerator. That does seem like a good thing for me to do because I like cold water in the spring and summer time.
Ivy Baker says
This is some really good information about heating repair. I liked that you talked about how it would be smart to change the filters. That does seem like a good thing to be aware of when you need to have your heater repaired. I know that I wouldn’t want to worry about my furnace not working in the winter.