Home & Garden
5 Spring Tasks To Do While You Hibernate
If you're a bear, you can keep sleeping. But if you're a homeowner, now is the time to get stuff done.
Spring is almost here. And when warmer weather arrives, you'll want to get outside and enjoy it. That's why now is the time to get those springtime tasks squared away.
Looking for a place to start? These are the home projects we recommend tackling before the end of hibernation season.
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Tune Up the A/C
Don't wait for a hot summer day to check that your air conditioner is working properly. Schedule an annual checkup for your A/C now with an HVAC contractor in your area. Regular maintenance will often save you money. Not only will a professional be able to ensure your unit is running efficiently, but they may also catch and repair a small problem before it turns into a bigger and much more expensive one.
An air conditioner checkup usually includes:
- Checking for proper refrigerant levels
- Checking all electrical components and controls
- Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
- Oiling motors as needed
- Calibrating the thermostat
- Checking, cleaning and/or replacing filters
A yearly tuneup done by an HVAC professional costs an average of $80 to $100, according to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide*.
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Clean the Ducts
During your A/C's annual checkup, ask the HVAC technician if they will be inspecting the duct system as well the unit itself. Even if you change your filters yearly, professional air vent and duct cleaning is still important to prevent the buildup of dust, pollen and — potentially — mold.
Now is also a good time to remove dust and debris from your washing machine hose and the ductwork behind your dryer vent. Vacuum the grime off the coils behind the refrigerator as well. Too much buildup diminishes efficiency and can lead to higher energy bills.
On average, homeowners report spending between $270 and $480 to have their air duct systems professionally cleaned. The end cost will vary based on the size, design and condition of your ducts.
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Work on the Windows
When it comes to the windows in your home, now is the time of year to do one of two things:
#1 — Get new windows. If you had a particularly harsh winter and your windows are older, you might want to look into getting them replaced. New windows can save you a considerable amount of money on your utility bills and help make your home more comfortable.
Double-pane windows will cost more upfront, but they'll pay for themselves over time. Experts say they can save you up to 24 percent in cold climates during the winter and up to 18 percent in hot climates in during the summer.
The average cost to install new windows is $5,420, and most homeowners pay between $2,950 and $8,480.
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#2 — Clean the windows. If your windows are in decent shape, a good cleaning may be all they need. Ideally, this should be done twice a year. Some homeowners try to keep window cleaning as a DIY task, but others find it to be too time consuming and potentially unsafe. Doing a good job on the windows can require standing on a ladder while using multiple tools to clean. This can, obviously, be quite dangerous, and it's one of the main reasons homeowners choose to hire a professional.
The biggest factor in determining how much professional window cleaning services will cost is the number of windows. The average cost of a residential window cleaning is $210, with smaller jobs costing as little as $80 and larger jobs with harder-to-reach windows costing as much as $400.
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Check the Roof
At the first sign of spring, take a look at your roof. If there are areas that appear to sag or have an excess of debris collected on them, you'll likely need to clear the space. Some homeowners are capable of removing the debris themselves; but if you're uncomfortable with this prospect or your roof has extensive damage, you'll need to hire a professional roofer.
Cleaning methods vary based on the roof material, but homeowners report paying $420 to clean a roof, on average.
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Clean the Closets
Why wait until spring to clear the clutter from your wardrobe? Now is a great time to comb through closets, dressers, drawers and even your kitchen cabinets to trash or donate all those excess items that are just taking up precious space.
If organization isn't your strong suit, not to worry: You can always bring in a professional. Most closet organizers charge by the hour for their services and work closely with their clients to best suit their needs.
The average cost to hire a professional organizer is $485, and most homeowners report paying between $255 and $760.
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* — All pricing estimates in this article are based on HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, a searchable database that gives homeowners an idea how much they can expect to pay for home projects in their area.
More Home & Garden:
Remodeling Your Bathroom? Read This First
Here's What It Costs To Upgrade Your Closet
13 Projects That Call For A Handyman
Home 101: How To Prevent Dryer Fires
Sources:
What Winter? 3 Spring Projects To End Hibernation At Home
Air Conditioning Checkup 101
How Much Does A/C Repair Cost?
How Much Does Air Duct & Vent Cleaning Cost?
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Window?
Pros, Cons, and Costs: Double-Paned Windows
How Much Does Window Cleaning Cost?
How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost?
How Much Does A Professional Organizer Cost?
