It won’t be long before temperatures in the 80’s become fond memories, which is why it’s a good time to tackle spring cleaning jobs that can pay off this summer.
The suggestions from Donley AC & Plumbing range from 5 to 15-minute tasks that can help your home and potentially your wallet.
Central air conditioner unit
Dust, grass and leaves can collect on the outdoor condenser unit that’s next to your home or business. Brush dirt and obstructions off and use a low-pressure hose to clean the outside of the unit.
The air filter keeps the AC system clean and removes particles from the air. Change the air filter inside your home now and make a note to change it monthly during the summer. Our dry, dusty climate can quickly clog the filter, which can lead to higher energy bills and more repairs.
Ceiling fans
While the easiest way to clean ceilings fans is using an extendable blade duster, you can also use an old pillowcase,which keeps the dust from floating around the room.
Turn off the fan and grab a chair or ladder. Slip the pillowcase over the entire blade, press lightly and pull it back. Repeat for each blade. Take the pillowcase outside and shake it off before washing it. You can also use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum to clean the fan and your air conditioning vents.
Turn on the fan and check the direction of the blades. They should run counter-clockwise to cool the air. Turn them off when no one’s in the room.
Bathroom exhaust fans
Turn off the power. If dust is visible on the cover, wipe the area to prevent it from spilling down during removal. Remove the cover by gently pulling down to expose the fan, then squeeze the metal mounting wires and slide them out of their slots. You may also need to squeeze the tabs to remove the light fixture. Soak the cover in warm, soapy water for a few minutes then use a cloth or brush to remove the dirt and dust. Let the cover air-dry.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can loosen the screws to remove the fan or move the fan cover, then use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum to clean the area.
Use bathroom fans while showering to reduce humidity and heat.
Sink Drains
Regular cleaning can help you avoid slow or backed up drains. Once a week, pour a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by hot water to reduce odor. Or pour a cup of vinegar down the drain and let sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with hot water. Vinegar will help remove organic buildup in pipes.
Dishwashers
The drain at the bottom of your dishwasher can collect food debris and buildup and lead to a clog. You can clean the area around the drain by hand but may have to remove the screws and drain cover to access the smaller pieces. This will ensure dirty water is exiting and your dishes are properly cleaned.
You can also place a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run it through a hot-water cycle to wash away grease and remove odors.
About Donley AC & Plumbing
Since 1976, Jim and Mike Donley and their employees have been providing honest, caring service to Arizonans. Family-owned Donley AC & Plumbing has twice been honored with the Better Business Bureau’s Ethics Award. Donley technicians receive ongoing training to provide the most comprehensive service for air conditioning, plumbing, heating, sewer repair, maintenance management and solar hot water. www.donleyservice.com