Spring is on its way - temperatures are rising and snow is melting. Now is the time to service your home's building services! Check your ventilation and plumbing both inside and out to make sure everything is working properly. With small steps like replacing ventilation filters and optimising your heating system, you can improve the durability of your home, save energy and reduce costs in the long run.
You can do a lot of the maintenance yourself, but in some cases it's a good idea to call in a professional. Take a look at our spring checklist for your family home and make sure your home is ready for the new season.
Remember, if you have any questions about building services, 24 Center's customer service is ready to help. We're here 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
1. Ventilation system maintenance
Regular cleaning of the ventilation system is important - it directly affects indoor air quality, energy efficiency and fire safety. The frequency of cleaning depends on many factors, such as the living environment and whether there are pets in the household. However, it is a good idea to check the condition of the system every five years.
What can you do yourself?
- Replace the filters every six months or so, for example when you set the appliance to summer or winter settings. Dirty filters reduce air quality and increase energy consumption.
- Check the visible parts - you can vacuum and wipe the valves and grilles lightly yourself.
When to call a professional?
- If the indoor air feels stuffy or the air quality has clearly deteriorated.
- If windows frost over in freezing temperatures.
- If the ventilation system makes abnormal noises.
Professional cleaning will ensure that your system works efficiently and safely year after year.
2. Also service your air source heat pump
The recommended self-cleaning interval for an air-source heat pump is 1-2 months. During the spring pollen season, cleaning may need to be more frequent, as well as if you have pets at home that shed a lot of hair.
Cleaning takes care of both the indoor and outdoor units, but it is important to remember that you should only clean the visible parts yourself. It is advisable to have a professional deep clean every three to five years or so, depending on the level of use and the location of the unit. During a deep cleaning, the professional will check the functioning of the unit, service it if necessary and clean it thoroughly.
Note! Before you start cleaning your air source heat pump, check the manual for the manufacturer's recommendations and prohibitions. If you do not follow the instructions, the appliance may be damaged and the warranty may be invalidated as a result of misuse. Read more about cleaning your air source heat pump.
Through 24 Center you can order a deep cleaning of your air-source heat pump, as well as a new air-source heat pump and its installation, if the purchase is timely. Contact us and we will identify the best unit for your home and send a professional to carry out the installation. All this is done in one call - at a time that suits you.
3. Inspection and maintenance of water gutters
Inspection and maintenance of gutters in spring is important to ensure that rainwater and meltwater are diverted away from structures in an orderly manner. During winter, ice, snow and debris can block or damage gutters. Broken gutters can direct melt water into the building's structures and cause moisture damage.
Water gutters are easy to maintain yourself. If you notice blockages that you can't clear, it's a good idea to call in a professional. A professional is also needed if the gutters or downspouts are damaged or leaking.
4. Inspection and maintenance of outdoor water points
After winter, the condition of outdoor water points (e.g. garden taps, garden wells, irrigation systems) should be checked before active use. Frost damage and problems caused by freezing can cause leaks, blockages or other malfunctions. They can lead not only to water loss but also to moisture damage.
You should call a professional if you notice damage to your outdoor water points or if water is not coming out as expected. If you are not experienced in installing irrigation equipment, it is a good idea to call in a professional to update your water points.
5. Checking the sockets outside
In the spring, check that the sockets are working and consider whether you need additional outlets in the yard. For example, using an electric barbecue on summer evenings is not a pleasant experience if the socket is not working properly. Many people resort to extension leads, but these are not recommended for long-term solutions. An extension lead puts a strain on the house's electrical network and creates a tripping hazard for people walking in the yard. A cord that snakes on the ground can easily get caught underfoot or damaged by a robotic lawnmower if it is forgotten to be repaired after use.
Through 24 Center, you can commission a professional to survey and update your yard's electrical and lighting needs. Have you considered using home automation to light your yard? Learn more about yard lighting and related electrical work.
Checklist in brief:
- Check the ventilation system: make sure the settings are correct and replace the filter. Good ventilation ensures fresh indoor air and energy efficiency.
- Clean the air-source heat pump: remember to take care of both the indoor and outdoor units. Regular cleaning ensures efficiency and a longer lifetime of the unit.
- Check gutters and remove debris: remove ice, snow and autumn leaves to allow rain and melt water to flow unobstructed and prevent moisture damage.
- Check the condition of outdoor water points: make sure all water points, such as garden taps and wells, are working properly - freezing damage can cause blockages and leaks.
- Check the condition of outdoor sockets: check that they are working properly and that there is no visible damage.
