Bonfe Insider: April 2023

Your home is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. To ensure it stays in great condition, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance tasks. Some tasks should be done monthly, while others are seasonal. We’ve put together some handy checklists for Spring maintenance tasks as well as year-round essentials to keep your home running smoothly.

Spring:

• Clean windows: Clean your windows inside and out to let in more natural light and fresh air. Check out our homemade window wash recipe below.
• A/C Tune-Up: Have your air conditioning system serviced by a professional technician to ensure it’s working properly and efficiently before the hot summer months. Tune-ups also help identify potential issues so you can get them taken care of and avoid unexpected equipment failures.
• Check Sump Pump: Test your sump pump by pouring water into the sump pit and ensuring it activates and pumps water out. Make sure the discharge pipe is clear of debris and pointing away from the foundation.
• Service the lawn mower: Get your lawn mower serviced and the blades sharpened.  Many hardware stores offer these services as well as winter storage for mowers.
• Change Ceiling Fan Direction: Change the direction of your ceiling fans so they rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze in your home.
• Inspect Roof: Check your roof for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Look for loose or missing shingles, cracks, or leaks, and have them repaired before they cause water damage to your indoor ceilings and walls.
• Check Outdoor Lighting: Replace any burned-out bulbs and clean the fixtures to ensure proper lighting and safety. Check outdoor outlets.
• Prep and Clean Gas Grill: Clean and test your gas grill burners. If they are blocked, call in a professional to repair or replace them.

Monthly:

• Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors: Test these detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed.
• Check water softener salt levels: Check the water softener salt levels every month to help ensure the system is functioning properly, prevent hard water issues, and help prevent damage to the water softener system.
• Check and Change HVAC filters: Replace your furnace filter every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter. Dirty filters are the number one reason for heating and cooling equipment failure.
• Clean gutters: Remove debris and leaves from your gutters to prevent clogs and help avoid damage to your roof and foundation.
• Flush water down unused drains: Pour a bucket of water down unused drains every month to help prevent odors, keep the pipes from drying out, and ensure proper drainage. It’s also a good idea to use a natural, microbial based drain cleaner at least once a month in all your drains.
• Check plumbing fixtures: Look for leaks in faucets, shower heads, and pipes, and have any issues repaired promptly.
• Clean refrigerator coils: Vacuum your refrigerator coils to remove dust and debris.  Dirty coils can cause your fridge to work harder and use more energy.
• Check fire extinguishers: Make sure your fire extinguishers are easily accessible and in good condition. Consider purchasing a fire suppression blanket for added safety.

*Homemade window wash recipe:

• 1/2 cup of 70% rubbing alcohol
• 1 cup of white distilled vinegar
• 1 cup of water
• 3 drops of liquid dish soap

Pour mixture into a spray bottle and shake gently a few times to mix well.  Happy cleaning!