Spring Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners in Chicago

Your HVAC & Plumbing To-Do List

As the chill of winter starts to leave the air with the arrival of spring, many homeowners turn their minds to spring cleaning. It’s the perfect time to refresh your home and get to those long put-off cleaning tasks. From deep cleaning bathrooms to scrubbing floors and windows, there’s plenty to do on any spring checklist. However, you need to make sure not to overlook your home’s HVAC and plumbing systems. These two systems are vital to a home’s comfort but are often left off of the to-do list. At American Vintage Home, we’ve put together this helpful checklist so that you can easily add plumbing and HVAC maintenance to your spring cleaning routine.

Change the Air Filters

Changing your air filters is an easy task with a high payoff. Clogged and dirty air filters block airflow from your HVAC units. This means your HVAC units will have to work harder, and your home will still take longer to reach the right temperature. By switching out your air filters regularly, you’ll ensure that your air conditioner has an unimpeded path to deliver cool air throughout your home.

Check the Thermostat

With the air starting to warm up, you’ll want to start running your AC pretty soon. Before turning the AC on for the first time, check to make sure that your thermostat is working correctly. Faulty thermostats can cause your air conditioner to work overtime, which will diminish its service life faster than normal.

Inspect the Outdoor Unit

After a long Chicago winter, your air conditioner needs some TLC. Snow, rain, dirt, and leaves have likely dirtied your outside unit, so you’ll need to clean and clear it of any debris that has accumulated. You’ll also need to inspect the unit to see if there is any visible damage. If you notice dents, cracks, or other problems, call a professional AC technician to inspect the unit.

Schedule an AC Tune-Up

The absolute best thing to do to prepare your AC for spring is to schedule a professional maintenance appointment. At American Vintage Home, our highly trained technicians will thoroughly inspect and tune up your air conditioner to ensure it provides optimal performance. This also allows us to identify any areas of concern with your unit. The earlier issues are caught, the less time they’ve had to do damage or cause expensive repairs. Additionally, you’ll have time to get your AC fixed before the peak of summer weather hits.

Clear Outdoor Drains & Gutters

Now that your HVAC system has been addressed, it’s time to get your home’s plumbing in good shape. Start by looking at your outdoor drains and gutters. Clear any dried leaves, twigs, or other debris that is blocking them. Many plumbing problems can be prevented by keeping rainwater flowing freely away from your house.

Check for Leaks

With the freezing temperatures in the Chicago area, winter can do a number on your pipes. As such, it’s good to check that no leaks have developed. Start by looking at faucets to see if any water is leaking while the faucets are off. Then check around your home for unexplained puddles, water damage, wet spots on floors/ceilings/walls, mold, and mildewy smells. If you notice any of these, call our professional plumbers for leak detection and repair services.

Inspect Your Water Heater

Water heaters are another home appliance that is often overlooked during routine home maintenance. To make sure water heater problems don’t go unchecked, add a quick water heater inspection to your spring to-do list. It’ll be easier to remember when you’re already checking out the rest of your home.

First, give your water heater space by clearing out any objects or debris that are near it. Then, check your water heater settings. Your water temperature should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below for optimal energy efficiency. Look for any visible damage or rust to the unit. If you notice anything amiss, call a plumber for water heater repairs. Lastly, if your unit is over 15 years old, it’s time to start considering a replacement.

Call in the Professionals

Once you’ve checked off all your plumbing and maintenance tasks, call American Vintage Home. Our highly trained and licensed team of plumbing and HVAC experts can address any problems or concerns you uncovered. We specialize in working on the beautiful older homes that are common throughout Chicago and the North Shore area. Older homes have unique plumbing and HVAC problems, so trust our professionals to solve them efficiently while maintaining your home’s vintage integrity.

Ready to get your Chicago-area home in shape this spring? Call American Vintage Home at (847) 999-4595 or contact us online to get started.