Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets, cabinets, and home offices.  It’s also for the systems that run your home.  To maintain an efficiently run home in the months to come, the first place to give attention is your…

Air conditioning and heating –

The easiest, most effective step you can take is to check and replace your filters; most types need to be replaced monthly – or at a minimum every three months.

Here’s your simple guide: if the filter looks dirty, change it.  Dirty filters slow down air flow, which causes your system to work harder, wasting energy.  Also, a clean filter reduces the amount of dust and dirt that builds up in your system, which could lead to inconvenient repairs or failures.

Next, clear debris from around your outside unit, and sweep away dirt around the unit’s base.  Most importantly, be sure to schedule a professional tune-up to check your system’s performance and get it in tiptop shape for the cooling season.  Just give your local HVAC company a call.

Professional service includes clearing dirt and debris from the insides of the unit, as well as checking condensation lines and the condensation drain, which helps prevent clogs and backups of sludge forming in the line, harming efficiency.

For another step to improve your home’s efficiency, take a look at your…

Door and windows –

Inspect and caulk where needed to keep in cool air in summer, warm air in winter, and save money on energy bills year-round.  As part of your inspection, open and close all windows.  Test how tightly they close.  If there’s a problem, check the weather-stripping.