Spring Cleaning Tips

Good news: spring is on the way! Soon, warmer weather, brighter sunshine…and spring cleaning. While this time of year gives us a good reason to clean our homes, it also offers an opportunity to check on electrical supplies and HVAC systems. Adding these quick tips to your cleaning list can help you avoid hiccups later on and keep your home running smoothly.

Change Filters

Quite a few appliances require a filter and we don’t always remember to change them. During your spring-cleaning adventure, consider checking on filters in these appliances if you have them:

Vacuum cleaners
Forced-air systems (like furnaces or central air conditioning systems)
Mini-split systems
Heaters (like some cabinet and space heaters)
Some hand dryers
Water dispensers

Changing out filters can keep your appliances and HVAC systems running effectively. You may even notice a boost in their effectiveness if they haven’t been changed in a while.

Check Light Bulbs

Check to see if any light bulbs in your fixtures need replacing. Swapping out flickering or dim light bulbs for brand new ones can help you avoid a burned-out bulb later on.

You can also use this time to change out inefficient light bulbs, like compact fluorescent or incandescent, for an energy efficient LED alternative if you’d like.

Dust Off Fixtures

While you’re in the area, consider dusting off your light fixtures. By gently cleaning the fixture and the area that houses the bulb, you can clear out dust that muffles the light. With a little cleaning, your lamps can shine good-as-new.

These fixtures could use a thorough dusting in the spring:

Ceiling fan blades
Ceiling lights
Lamps
Chandeliers

Clean Your Heater

Baseboard heaters can benefit from a yearly cleaning as well. As the heater runs, it pulls air in. This can lead to dust accumulating on the radiator fins. Dust accumulation can prevent the heater from heating as efficiently and, unable to radiate out, that heat could damage the heater over time. Cleaning the dust out at least once a year can help maintain your heater.

When cleaning a heater or light fixture, make sure to turn the appliance off to avoid injury or accident.

Examine Outlets and Cords

Using broken or damaged outlets can lead to electrical shock and fire hazards. Routinely checking your outlets and wall plates for any signs of damage or burning helps you determine which ones need replacing.

Additionally, test your GFCI outlets and receptacles. Regular testing can also help indicate when to replace an outlet.

You can also organize and inspect cords to help your home feel clean and prevent a fire hazard. Replace any damaged cords you find with new ones. Using cord clips and cord covers can help your space remain tidy.

Add these quick cleaning tips to help your home run efficiently this spring. Find the products you need on your spring-cleaning journey at HomElectrical!

Recommended Reading

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Conventional cleaning products can include chemicals harmful to human and animal health. Green cleaning products allow you to get rid of these harmful chemicals for a safer clean.

Green Cleaning Products and Janitorial Supplies

Using green cleaning products and janitorial supplies can help keep a home or business clean in an eco-friendly way. See which types and brands offer an eco-friendlier clean!

Why Should I Replace My Old Outlet With a GFCI?

Check your outlets for signs of age or damage. Find more reasons to replace your old outlet with a GFCI!

How to Maximize Heater Efficiency

Save money this winter by keeping your heater running efficiently. Checking filters, sealing ductwork, and routine maintenance can help keep your heater efficient.

Avery Dietzen

Originally from Wisconsin, Avery earned her degree in English before making the trip down to the Atlanta, GA area. Writer by day, reader by night, she prides herself on having a creative outlook and tries to instill that in everything she writes. As a content writer for HomElectrical, she uses her skills to share tips and tricks about lighting, HVAC, and going green. If she’s not writing, she’s reading, painting, hanging out with her dog, or spending time with family and friends.