Spring Home Checklist For A Happy Home

Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time for you (or your honey) to prepare your home for the warmer months ahead. We’re making it easy for you to hand off the most essential seasonal “honey-dos” so you can relax and let your favorite worker bee take care of the rest. Here’s a list of spring chores to help keep your home in good shape and save money on energy, too.

1. Clean your gutters.

   Even if you gave your gutters a thorough cleaning back in the fall, winter weather can cause debris to build up in your gutters. Now’s the time for another deep cleaning to protect your roof (and your home) from water damage and unwanted pests who can live and breed in clogged gutters.

2. Inspect your roof.

   Check to ensure that your roof hasn’t experienced any water damage from the winter weather and check for any missing or broken shingles. Be sure to note whether or not you find any moss or lichen on the roof, as this could indicate damage below the surface. If you don’t feel comfortable using a ladder to get a closer look, don’t worry. You can grab a pair of binoculars and still be able to see what’s in need of repair.

3. Drain your water heater.

   Eliminate build-up in your natural gas water heater tank by draining the sediment. This will not only save you money on energy, but it will also help your water heater last longer. Here’s how:

   • Make a note of your water heater’s current temperature and turn the thermostat to the lowest or “Pilot” setting. Allow the water heater to cool down for 20 to 30 minutes.
   • Turn on the hot water in a sink or bathtub to prevent water from being trapped in your pipes.
   • Attach a garden hose to the drain at the base of your water heater and place the end of the hose in a bucket.
   • Open the drain and allow the water to flow out, continuing the process until you don’t see any sediment in the water.
   • Once the water is clear, turn the drain off, remove the hose and turn the water supply back on before relighting the pilot light.
   • Turn off the hot water spigot in the sink or bathtub and test the water after 20 minutes to ensure the water heater is working.
4. Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.

   It’s important to keep your home safe year-round, but spring is a great time to check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s a simple task that’s a critical part of keeping your family safe.  

5. Get your grill ready.

   Memorial Day is just around the corner, and that means it’s almost peak grilling season. Get your grill ready ahead of schedule by removing grime from the burner holes with a needle. You can then spray the grates with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water to wash away the remnants of last summer’s barbecue.

6. Change your HVAC filters.

   Before you know it, you’ll be turning on your air conditioner to beat the summer heat. Take the time now to change the filters. It’ll save energy and improve the air quality in your home.

7. Clean your gas appliances.

   Spring is a time for starting fresh, and that means cleaning your gas appliances. Tasks like removing the lint from your dryer and cleaning your oven and range can translate to a lower gas bill. Even if you clean your dryer’s lint trap after each use, additional lint can build up in the dryer’s vent. A clear vent helps your clothing dry quicker and prevents the risk of fire.

If you’re looking to clean your oven the natural way, check out our instructional video. We also have tips for cleaning your range in 10 minutes or less.

Keeping your home Spring-ready with SCANA Energy

Follow the tips above and you’ll be on the path to lower bills and a higher quality of living. For more tips on keeping a safe and happy home check out these natural gas home safety tips. If you’re interested in choosing SCANA Energy as your natural gas provider contact us!