Spring cleaning – it’s a “dirty word” around our home. Well, not really, but my wife remembers spending several weekends every year doing spring cleaning; and it’s something we still do! Wash the windows and screens. (Lots of windows? Might we suggest hiring it out since an average size home costs minimal. I can do one home inspection and pay for the price of someone to come do all my windows and screens). We wipe down all the baseboards and window trim, take the lambswool duster and knock down any cobwebs along the ceiling, dust off the ceiling fan blades. The list is long, but when we’re done?!?! Well, my wife loves the look and smell of a clean home. Need I say more?

WHY CHECK YOUR HEATING AND COOLING?

That about your furnace? At least once a year, preferably twice, you should have your furnace and air conditioning serviced by a reputable company. We happen to use Jasen Cox – a small business AC guy who does a super job. Not only is it a good idea to keep the mechanicals in good working condition, but it can potentially save you money in repairs. Did you know that a clogged furnace filter can cause a furnace to shut off? Dirty filters are the most common cause of furnace problems. We see it time and again in our home inspections. Dust and dirt restrict airflow—and if the filter gets too clogged, the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off too quickly, and your house won’t warm up. This cloth furnace filter below is way overdue.

REASONS TO CHECK YOUR FILTERS REGULARLY

• If your home has pets, children, family members with allergies, lots of activity, you should check it once a month. Size of filter matters too; this short video on furnace filters from Chris explains filters well.
• Another reason to check your filters regularly is if you have a basement and you have a workshop. The dust from all that work has to go somewhere right?
• In the spring, if you have your windows open a lot, dirt and pollen can easily add to clogging the filter.

Do yourself and your home a favor and check on the health of your furnace on a regular basis. While winter may be nearly over here in the Midwest, you still want to change your filters. In fact, while you’re at it, why not go change your furnace filter right now and cross it off the list!

CHUCK