Hooray, spring is FINALLY here. The lovely weather motivates us toward changes in our homes and yards. Whether you’re cleaning, changing out your wardrobe, or planting a garden, spring brings the opportunity for new life. But before you dive into a major project, make these five quick spring tune ups to save time, money, and maybe even much more.
Battery Change
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors save more than just money. They save lives. However, it’s easy to forget we even have them in our homes. For this reason, when spring rolls around, do a quick routine check of your devices and go ahead and change their batteries.
Descale Your Coffee Pot
If you’re addicted to your morning cup of joe like I am, you may need to clean out your brewing system more frequently. But choosing to use white vinegar at least twice a year to descale your coffee maker is a smart move. Not only will you notice an improved flavor to your morning mug, you’ll also prolong the life of this small appliance.
Run 1 part white vinegar, 3 parts water through an entire brewing cycle. Let sit for fifteen minutes. Then run one to two more cycles with water only. Want to maximize the process? Pour the hot vinegar and water down a slow drain to loosen debris and improve flow.
Change the Furnace Filter
Your furnace served you well all winter long. It’s time to give it a little TLC. If you have the skills, conduct a complete tune up. But even if you need to leave the extras to the experts, you can change the furnace filter on your own. By the way, there are some amazing Air Filter Subscription services out there. These both save you money AND mean that the filter comes straight to your door. Check out the best offers for 2023 according to Better Homes & Gardens.
Tune Up Lawn Equipment
The grass is turning greener. In a few short weeks, it will grow tall enough to need to be trimmed. Rather than taking on the task of maintenance and actual yard work at the same time, take an afternoon to give your mower, trimmers, and other lawn equipment a good once over. Change oil filters. Sharpen blades. Use YouTube tutorials to coach you through taking care of the tasks yourself. Or if you’re not confident enough in your skills, research affordable options and have a local shop take care of the work.
Vacuum Your Refrigerator
I know this one seems odd, but stay with me here. The backside of your refrigerator and the vents at the bottom collect dust, hair, pet fur, and several unidentifiable substances. It’s smart to clear the air flow by quickly using a shop vac or even the hose attachment of your regular vacuum cleaner to sweep up that mess. Clearing out obstacles allows your refrigerator to run more efficiently, reducing your energy bills and prolonging the life of the appliance.
These tasks really aren’t complicated. Plus, you can knock out the to do list in the span of a day or even perhaps the space of an afternoon. While you don’t necessarily have to set a date specific on the calendar to attend to these duties each year, the first days of Spring serve as a perfect reminder for otherwise easily forgotten maintenance.
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