Metro Atlanta Guide to Utilities
Here in metro Atlanta, there are a number of services you鈥檒l need to set up as a new homeowner in the area. Be sure to put these on your list as you begin the process. read more
By SCANA Energy
Spring has sprung, and that means it鈥檚 time for you to prepare your home for the warmer months ahead. We鈥檙e making it easy for you to complete the most essential spring to-dos so you can relax and enjoy the season. Here鈥檚 a list of spring chores to help keep your home in good shape and save money too.
1 - Clean your gutters
Even if you gave your gutters a thorough cleaning back in the fall, winter weather can cause debris to build up again. Now鈥檚 the time for another deep cleaning to protect your roof (and your home) from water damage and unwanted pests who can live and breed in clogged gutters.
2 - Inspect your roof
Check to ensure that your roof hasn鈥檛 experienced any water damage from winter weather and look for any missing or broken shingles. Be sure to note any moss or lichen on the roof, as this could indicate damage below the surface. If you don鈥檛 feel comfortable using a ladder to get a closer look, don鈥檛 worry. You can grab a pair of binoculars to see if anything is in need of repair.
3 - Drain your water heater
Eliminate buildup in your natural gas water heater tank by聽draining the sediment. This will not only save you money on energy, but it will also help your water heater last longer. Here鈥檚 how:
鈥� Make a note of your water heater鈥檚 current temperature and turn the thermostat to the lowest or 鈥淧ilot鈥� setting. Allow the water heater to cool down for 20 to 30 minutes.
鈥� Turn on the hot water in a sink or bathtub to prevent water from being trapped in your pipes.
鈥� Attach a garden hose to the drain at the base of your water heater and place the end of the hose in a bucket.
鈥� Open the drain and allow the water to flow out, continuing the process until you don鈥檛 see any sediment in the water.
鈥� Once the water is clear, turn the drain off, remove the hose and turn the water supply back on before relighting the pilot light.
鈥� Turn off the hot water spigot in the sink or bathtub and test the water after 20 minutes to ensure the water heater is working.
4 - Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries
It鈥檚 important to keep your home safe year-round, but spring is a great time to check and replace the batteries in your聽smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It鈥檚 a simple task that plays a critical role in keeping your family safe.
5 - Get your grill ready
Spring is also the start of peak grilling season.聽Get your grill ready聽ahead of schedule by removing grime from the burner holes with a needle. You can then spray the grates with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water to wash away the remnants of last summer鈥檚 barbecues.
6 - Change your HVAC filters
Before you know it, you鈥檒l be turning on your air conditioner to beat the summer heat. Take the time now to change the filters. It鈥檒l save energy and improve the air quality in your home.
7 - Clean your gas appliances
Spring is a time for starting fresh, and that means cleaning your gas appliances. Tasks like removing the lint from your dryer and聽cleaning your oven聽and range can translate to a lower gas bill. Even if you clean your dryer鈥檚 lint trap after each use (which is highly recommended), additional lint can build up in the dryer鈥檚 vent. A clear vent helps your clothing dry more quickly and reduces the risk of fire.
Follow the tips above and you鈥檒l be on the path to lower bills and a cleaner, safer home. For more tips on keeping a safe and happy home, visit .