Giving the mechanical systems around your home a quick springtime check-up can help you save money and keep your home’s systems running at maximum efficiency all year long. As the weather turns from cool to warm, springtime is the perfect time to perform any updates or repairs that can help keep your home comfortable in the months ahead.

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2. With spring knocking at the door, it's time to
take stock of your home's mechanical systems
to ensure they're all in good working order to
handle the demands of the upcoming season.
This includes your plumbing, heating and
cooling, and electrical systems.
A springtime check-up of sorts is necessary
each year at this time so you know your
systems are running at maximum efficiency. If
not, you could be facing larger energy bills.
Plus, this is the time to perform any updates or
repairs that, if left unchecked, could get worse
and lead to bigger repairs down the road.
Browse this handy springtime maintenance
checklist for your home's mechanical systems.
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3. Plumbing
When it comes to your plumbing system, it's crucial to make
sure you're not suffering any leaks or cracked pipes after the
winter has wreaked its havoc. Go down to the basement or
crawlspace and check on your sump pump. Before the big
rainstorms of spring hit, you want to make sure it's in good
working order to handle any flooding that may come your
way. A sump pump works by removing excess water that may
make its way into your home. Give it an overall check, but
focus on the float switch to make sure it's working. If not, it
won't trigger the pump when water reaches a certain level.
You can simply pour water into the well to check if it's working
as it should. Next, replace any dripping or leaking faucets in
the kitchen and bathrooms. The EPA says fixing simple
household water leaks can translate to a 10 percent savings on
your water bill. If you're unsure where the leaks are coming
from or aren't very handy when it comes to DIY plumbing, it's
always a good idea to enlist the help of a professional plumber
to make sure the job is done right. Outside, check your gutter
system and remove any debris such as twigs and leaves that
may be clogging the flow of water.
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4. Heating and Cooling
Your HVAC systems need some TLC at this time of year too.
Now that you're winding down on the usage of your
heating system, you should make sure your air conditioning
system is fully cleaned and ready to go for the warmer
months. Make sure a new AC filter is in place or clean the
old one if that's the type you have. A full inspection should
be done on your heating/cooling systems, and a qualified
HVAC technician is your best bet to handle this task. He or
she can perform a full 40-point inspection, including
control checks, condenser coil cleaning and pressure
measurements. Got bathroom fans? Clean them by
removing the covers, washing them in warm soapy water
and cleaning dirt from the fan blades with a toothbrush,
advises HGTV. Don't forget to turn the power off before
doing this!
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5. Electrical
Any time electricity is involved; it's imperative to call in a
licensed electrician for safety reasons. This professional
will check the condition of all extension cords, lamp cords,
and plugs, replacing them if worn; check the fuse box and
breakers; and test any ground fault circuit interrupters
(GFCIs) which are required in rooms like
bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements. They can
make sure old wiring is updated according to code and that
all outlets are functioning properly. The inspection may
also include a service panel examination, check for loose
fitting plugs, check for line cords that are frayed or cracked,
and replace broken wall plates.
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6. A springtime check of your home's mechanical systems is
imperative to ensuring everything will run smoothly
through the upcoming season. Cleaning up your systems
after the long winter will lead to peace of mind next year
when you start the heat up again. Cleaning and addressing
repairs to any systems prior to spring means they will run
more efficiently once summer hits. Neglecting these
inspections can lead to bigger repairs later so it's best to
address them now. Hire a professional to perform the
above tasks so that you know the job was done right the
first time. You may balk at shelling out the money for a
technician, but you're actually saving money by staying on
top of maintenance throughout the year.
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