Where To Begin You Spring Cleaning Routine? Here's Our Advice

Most households have spring cleaning as an annual routine. However, there are some chores which need to be part of this tradition too. Most of them only take several minutes.

Air Conditioning

The HVAC equipment should be checked before the beginning of each new season. The AC and furnace filters also need monthly checking and replacing. Depending on individual needs, one can choose from several types.

Most AC units come with a drainage hole located on the cabinet's base, just below the evaporator fins. This needs to be kept clear for the system to function properly.  To clear this hole, one can poke through it using a wire. To keep the dehumidifier in top shape, its housing should be removed and the unit left to dry out.

Bathrooms

Here, the fans need to be cleaned yearly. This is done by taking off the cover, washing in soapy water and using a toothbrush to clean off the fan blades. The gadget should be powered off while this is done.

Toilet flappers also need yearly check-ups. If there are any signs of aging, they should be replaced before they begin to leak and waste water. The faucet handles should also be removed and their insides cleaned to avoid corrosion on the screws. If necessary, a rust remover can be used.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors need to have their batteries replaced twice a year. This should be done when the time shifts to daylight saving time, and then reverts to standard time. The detectors should also be cleaned. The fire extinguisher should be fully charged.

Doors & Windows

The windows and doors also need to be inspected annually and caulked if necessary. They should also be checked to see if they open easily and shut tightly. Caulking should be done during the fall or spring, when the joint's width is halfway between the seasonal extremes.

Roof & Gutters

The winter debris should be cleaned out of the gutters while checking for ice damage. For extra protection, gutter protectors or screens can be installed to keep out the debris. For sagging gutters, the straps should be tightened to pitch them back to their normal positions. One should also ensure the gutters incline properly towards the down-spouts.

To prevent flooding in the basement, there should be at least 3 feet between the down-spouts' outlets and the side of the building. One can either use a splash guard which stretches that length or add a flexible extension hose to the down spout. This should be bent away from the building. To prevent foundation erosion, one should build up soil around the building and have it slope away from the foundation.

To prevent future problems, it is recommended that you keep up on routine home maintenance. So why not start this years traditional spring cleaning with using these helpful tips!

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How To Keep Your Calm When Facing Travel Obstacles

When you are planning to travel, you want to make sure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a trip around the world, don't let anything get in the way of your enjoyment. The tips in this article can help you make sure you get the most out of your travel.

Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carry on bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. If traveling to cold weather, bring smaller clothes to create layers rather than big, space-consuming coats and sweaters. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags.

If you plan on using your credit cards for spending while on vacation or traveling, make sure that you alert the companies that you will be traveling outside of your home town and give them your location. Failure to do this may result in your card being denied as the company may think that your card has been stolen.

If you are planning to travel to a country in a very different time zone to yours, make sure you factor jet lag into your plans. Having a low key, relaxing first day planned will get your trip off to a good start, and avoid you having to explore when all you want to do is sleep.

Travel doesn't have to be stressful. By taking advantage of some easy to remember advice, you can make sure that your trip is as enjoyable and rewarding as possible. Avoid the headaches and stresses of traveling by applying the tips you've learned in this article, so that your vacation will be a dream rather than a nightmare.