Homeowners in Ann Arbor and surrounding areas of Southeast Michigan are no doubt happy that warmer weather has finally arrived! That said, there is always something to be done when the seasons change. Spring cleaning is likely on your list of things to do, but we have a few tips on how you can not only enjoy the warm temperatures, but prepare for hotter and more uncomfortable conditions that may be in our future.
What are the top reasons homeowners want to do a little spring cleaning when pleasant conditions arrive? Decluttering, deep cleaning and removing triggers that aggravate allergies and asthma are among the top, according to the American Cleaning Institute.
Before you venture outdoors, take a look at weather stripping. During the winter months, weather stripping can deteriorate leaving cracks and gaps around windows or doors. Inspect those things you’ve done to keep out the cold temps, along with hardware that may have become looser with temperature changes such as hinges.
Enjoy the great outdoors – but do these things first. Inspect outdoor gear and equipment your children and family use such as trampolines, swing sets, and tree houses. Check for any damage your patio, deck, or porch may have suffered over the cold winter season. Is the grill a good 10 or 15 feet away from your house, and is it functioning properly? By checking all of these things now, you can enjoy peace of mind while enjoying the warmer temperatures spring brings to the area.
Inspect your attic. From squirrels and mice to creepy crawly critters, insects and animals often seek refuge in the attic during cold winter months. Take a little time to inspect any holes, gaps, or crevices rodents may have used to enter, and seal them up. Also inspect for wet areas which could indicate a leak, and think about whether it would be beneficial to add attic insulation for the summer season’s approach.
Take care of the most dreaded task – cleaning windows. Spring is the time we all want to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and let the sunshine filter in. The snow and ice of winter weather leaves behind a film that dulls those gorgeous sunny days! Grab your window cleaner on a cloudy day and spray down the glass, using a newspaper or microfiber cloth to clean the grime away without leaving streaks. For the window hardware, frames and windowsill, a multi-purpose cleaner and clean rags is all you need. Cleaning windows on a sunny day isn’t a good idea, as the heat from the sun can dry your glass cleaner faster than you can wipe it away, causing streaks.
Prepare your HVAC system. You don’t want to wait until temperatures become uncomfortable to make sure your cooling system is ready. Your HVAC system not only cools the air inside your home, it also helps ensure good indoor air quality. Check to make sure there are no blockages in the vents, then switch your system on to see if it functions as it should. You may want to consider the iComfort or S30 or other smart thermostat that’s capable of monitoring pollen levels and air quality in the vicinity.
Last but certainly not least, schedule preventive maintenance with a trusted HVAC company like Haley Mechanical to enjoy peace of mind knowing your cooling system will do its job all spring and summer long.
By preparing your SE Michigan home for spring now you can enjoy the warm, beautiful days that are on the way knowing these tasks are behind you. Schedule preventive maintenance for your cooling system now by giving the Ann Arbor HVAC experts at Haley Mechanical a call today.
