Moving to a new home is exciting but quite stressful. Your mind will buzz with things to do, such as cleaning, fixing the air conditioner, inspecting the plumbing systems, packing, organizing, and every step involved in fully settling in a new home. However, with proper planning, a little help, patience, and commitment, everything will go as smoothly as you want. This post will help you know how to inspect and prepare your new house before moving in.
Make a List of Essential Items to Task
While some things like cleaning sound obvious, having a list of things to do helps make things easier and faster. Get your notebook and write down everything you need to be done. Don’t worry about the order. Once you have covered all the tasks from installations to cleaning and organizing, start arranging them according to how you will work on them. Generally, you don’t want to clean up before the air conditioning company has inspected and cleaned the ductwork around the house. In simple terms, plan your activities carefully to ensure they don’t overlap each other.
Replace the Furnace Filter
To avoid constant repairs on your heating and cooling system, replace the filter. You can find the furnace filter, get new filters, and replace them. Do this at least once every month.
Clean Refrigerator Coils
Your refrigerator condenser coils are located on the back of the fridge or across the bottom. If the coils are clogged with dirt, pet hair, or cobwebs, they may not release heat efficiently. This forces the compressor to work harder and longer, shortening its lifespan.
Clean Out the Lint
Clean your lint to prevent high electricity bills. Electric dryers use about $85 of electricity annually. The dryer can use up to 30% more electricity when the lint screen is dirty, according to the Consumer Energy Center. Lint buildup can also cause a fire.
Clean Air Conditioner Condensers and Evaporators
Cleaning your air conditioner condenser doesn’t require professional help. Vacuum the exterior fins with a soft-bristled brush. Clean away dirt, bushes, and debris around the unit and the condensation drain. If you notice a problem with a unit, call your air conditioning company to fix it immediately.
Locate Your Home’s Main Water Shutoff Valve
If you don’t know much about plumbing system inspection, you can call a professional to help you with the assessment. Know where the main shut-off valve is if you need to shut off the water in the house. Once you find it, turn it off and back on to ensure it’s working correctly. Don’t forget to check the drains, leaks, and septic system to ensure everything is functioning optimally.
Locate the Electrical Panel
Like water, you need to know where to shut off the power to the whole house. It’s easy to locate the main circuit breaker panel, a grey metal box in the basement, utility room, or garage. Assess if all the breakers are in good condition by testing them. Again, you can hire an electrician to help you.
Check Smoke and CO Detector Dates and Replace, as Needed
It is vital to know where the smoke and CO detectors are crucial to ensure they’re working optimally. Smoke alarms help protect your home and family from fire.
And Meet Your New Neighbors!
Once everything is done, you’ll want to meet your neighbors and get to know them so everyone can look out for each other. New neighbors will help connect you to the best plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians.
Contact HVAC Experts and Make Sure Everything is Up-to-date!
Most people like to move to a new home during the warm season to enjoy their first few months in outdoor activities. For this reason, you want to make sure that all is well with your air conditioner. Feel free to contact us at Next Gen Air, and we will be happy to help.
