Are you ready to start ticking things off your spring cleaning to-do list?
It’s time to break out the vacuums and dusters! While nobody may like spring cleaning, it is a great idea to do it every year to get rid of the dust and grime that has accumulated over a long winter spent indoors. Not only is spring cleaning good for aesthetic reasons (after all, who likes looking at dust day in and day out), but it is good for your indoor air as well. It helps you breathe easier, can increase home comfort AND may even make your filter last a bit longer.
Here are some things you should keep in mind while getting rid of the dust bunnies this spring.
Air out your home, but not for too long. The air in your home can become stagnant during the winter. Spring is a good time to open the windows and let in a little fresh air. BUT, exercise caution. Remember, the air coming through your windows is unfiltered. This means all sorts of outdoor pollutants and allergens may be coming into your home unfiltered.
Vacuum your carpets. It’s shocking just how many particles can become trapped in your carpets. It’s a good idea to vacuum your carpets regularly, and you may even consider a deep clean during the spring.
Keep the cleaners you use in mind. The chemicals in many household cleaners can lower the quality of your indoor air. This goes for air fresheners as well. Consider other less harmful cleaners, like homemade alternatives make from vinegar or baking soda.
Clean out registers and vents. You can often get to your registers and vents quiet easily. However, an even better idea than just cleaning the areas you can access is to call a contractor and have them clean your entire air distribution network. This can improve indoor air quality and may alert you to any unseen problems your home may have fallen victim to (like bugs or rodents).
Change your furnace filter. While you’re in the cleaning mood, make sure to give your furnace filter a look. A dirty furnace filter can reduce airflow and reduce efficiency. Plus, it could be ineffective at filtering out harmful particles in your indoor air.
Make sure to schedule preventative maintenance. While it is not exactly cleaning related, scheduling a spring maintenance appointment with a local contractor is a must-add to your spring to-do list. Preventative maintenance can alert you to any potential problems AND can help your cooling system run as efficiently as possible during the cooling season.
Still have to schedule your spring preventative maintenance appointment? Make sure you take the time to find the right local contractor for the job.