April is here, and spring is beginning to bloom! As the weather warms, it’s the perfect time for homeowners and business owners to refresh their spaces. Spring is the ideal season for tidying up and clearing out, getting your home or business ready for the new season. Discover our spring cleaning tips for your home and business – and prepare to feel refreshed!

For Your Home

• Trash the trash: Do you still have boxes from the holidays sitting in your guest room or snacks in the pantry that expired last spring? Get rid of them once and for all!
• Declutter: After disposing of unwanted items, go through each room and declutter. Sort items into ‘keep’ or ‘donate’ piles. Many people struggle with overconsumption. Do you really need a dozen throw blankets or eight serving spoons? Try to cut down and prioritize. Also, as you organize, ensure that your HVAC system has clear airflow. Keep boxes and clutter away from vents and radiators to prevent overheating and inefficiency. TIP: If you haven’t used or worn something in a year, consider donating it!
• Deep clean: Now’s the time to tackle those chores that get overlooked daily. Vacuum first, then shampoo and steam-clean your rugs/carpets and furniture. Strip the beds and wash your sheets, comforters, blankets, and pillows. Flip your mattresses for even wear. Clean your washing machine, oven, and dishwasher. Mop all the floors. DID YOU KNOW? Deep cleaning is also important for maintaining your HVAC system. By thoroughly removing dust and debris from surfaces and floors, you reduce the amount of particles that can enter your HVAC system. This helps prevent clogged filters and ensures your system operates efficiently, improving indoor air quality and reducing maintenance needs.
• Wash the windows: As the weather gets warmer, let in some fresh air! Remove and wash your window screens to remove dirt buildup. Clean your windows – inside and out. This will let in more natural light, which means you can cut down on artificial light and save money on your energy bill!

For Your Business

• Tidy up workspaces: Shred old paperwork, remove or throw away unnecessary items, and organize desks. Encourage employees to clean their spaces. Consider hosting a ‘Scrub & Grub’ afternoon where everyone helps clean, and you provide lunch.
• Sanitize common areas: Deep clean kitchens, break rooms, and bathrooms. Sanitize all surfaces – especially high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, phones, keyboards, light switches, coffee makers, vending machines, POS systems, credit card machines, and microwaves.
• Clean out your computer: Most people don’t think about clearing out digital files because they are not visible. However, you probably have hundreds – if not thousands – of old files, documents, emails, etc. Discard anything you no longer need – it’ll make room for new ones and likely speed up your machine.
• Review emergency supplies: Emergency supplies are items many don’t think to check often because they’re seldom needed. However, in the event you do need them, they better be ready to use! Ensure all fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency plans are up to date.

For Both

• Check HVAC systems: Your HVAC may be performing inefficiently, and you may not even notice! This could cost you a lot of money in energy bills. Getting annual HVAC maintenance performed by a professional ensures your system is good to go for the warm seasons ahead.
• Replace air filters: Most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend replacing your air filters every 3 months. However, the location of your home or business, the age of your HVAC system, and whether you have pets can affect this timeline. If your filter is discolored or covered in dust or hair, it’s time to replace it.
• Check for maintenance needs: Day to day, you may not notice a loose tile or a small water stain. During your spring-cleaning routine, make it a point to walk around your home or business and check for areas that may need maintenance, including leaky faucets, mold or mildew on ceilings, walls, and under sinks, cracks in walls or ceilings, loose or uneven flooring, drafty doors or windows, burnt-out light bulbs, and exposed wires.
• Clean out the fridge: Whether it’s just you and your family or an office full of people, the refrigerator has the greatest potential for messes. Check expiration dates and throw out anything that’s past its prime. Remove all food and wipe down shelves and drawers.
• Add plants: Plants will not only liven up your environment but also help filter toxins and improve humidity levels! Some air-purifying plants include snake plants, peace lilies, spider plants, aloe vera, and pothos (Devil’s ivy).
• Set a Schedule: After your spring cleaning is done, establish a routine so your spaces stay fresh and organized. Create a chore list and categorize tasks into daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal categories. This checklist should help!

We hope these spring cleaning tips for your home and business help you feel refreshed. If you’re interested in spring cleaning your energy services, the experts at UGI Energy Services are here to help!