When you’re doing spring cleaning and home maintenance this season, don’t forget about those dirty filters. A dirty filter worsens the air quality making allergy symptoms more severe. It also uses more energy. Use the following tips to help make your home cleaner and more energy-efficient this spring.
8 Filters to Make Sure You Clean Out this Spring
Air Filters on HVAC
Dirty, clogged filters decrease the efficiency of the HVAC system significantly. The reduced airflow causes it to work harder using more energy and costing you more money. It also is less likely to keep your home at the proper temperature. Over time, this strain on the fan motor could cause it to burn out or cause the system to overheat and fail.
Stove Filters Under the Hood
Kitchen stove hood filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly for your hood to work efficiently. Trapped grease, dirt, and food particles produced from your cooking could make a kitchen unsafe. Dirty kitchen stove filters under the hood can cause a kitchen to have smoky air and excessive heat with extra strain on the exhaust system. This can all lead to dangerous air quality.
Outside Compressor Coils
When AC coils are covered in dirt, they become insulated and it prevents it from releasing the heat it extracts. Warm air will continue to circulate causing strain on your AC unit. Cleaning outside compressor coils will increase the lifespan of your HVAC unit, protect your family from possible illness, and save you money in home cooling.
Smoke Detectors (yep, there’s a filter)
Did you know smoke detectors have filters, too? Dust, pollen, debris, and smoke can make the sensor in your smoke detector dirty and prevent it from operating properly in an emergency. It could even cause a delay in the alarm activating or lead to false alarms. To clean your smoke detector, gently vacuum the outside of the alarm using your household vacuum’s soft brush attachment. In a fire, every second counts.
Bath Fans
Bathroom exhaust fans remove excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew to form. If it isn’t cleaned enough or maintained properly, it cannot effectively prevent mold growth. Dirty exhaust fans can also spread dust and dust mites onto surfaces such as carpets and bedding. This can be especially dangerous for people with allergies to dust mites.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
Cleaning your dryer vents will not only save you energy, but it will also increase the lifespan of your dryer. Lint or other obstructions in your vent will keep your dryer from functioning properly. Clothes will take longer to dry, it can create a fire risk, and it will increase your electric bill.
Duct Cleaning
Air ducts can contain harmful contaminants like dust, cobwebs, pet dander, pest droppings, bacteria, pollen, mildew, and mold spores. These obstructions can also reduce your HVAC systems airflow forcing it to work harder. Spring cleaning of your air ducts will help you save power and lower your utility bills.
Check Bath and Dryer Dampers on the Outside of the House
Dirty bath and dryer dampers outside of the house can cause exhaust to move back into your home. They can also become dislodged and not work properly. Cleaning debris and making sure they are positioned correctly will help them to work more efficiently.
Get a Home Energy Audit
A home energy audit offers a great way for you to identify some of these issues listed and keep you on track with all your spring cleaning. Home energy audit professionals can also provide you with advice on how to save energy with warmer months coming soon.
If you’re ready to schedule a home energy audit this spring, please contact us.