With the promise of spring ahead, it’s not too early to begin with a checklist of to dos. And if we know Iowa weather, temperatures will quickly change to the other extreme – hot! Consider Wyckoff’s “Top 20” list of ways to prepare for the spring and summer months ahead.

  1. Clean out rain gutters and storm drains. Build-up from the fall and winter can potentially clog your gutters and drains. Remove any build-up or debris before it becomes a problem.
  2. Install awnings or plant trees outside your home to create shade. This will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You can also do this in the spring and summer by closing shades and curtains during the afternoon.
  3. Make sure sprinklers are working properly and not aimed at your house. When spring arrives, you will be ready to show off a well-manicured lawn.
  4. Remember, when you spring forward this season to also change batteries in smoke alarms, radon and carbon monoxide detectors. The time change is a great reminder to double-check these life-saving sensors in your home.
  5. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents to create a cooler feeling and save on lighting costs.
  6. Apply a reflective coating to your roof or use light-colored shingles when replacing your roof. These reflective devices will save your energy usage throughout the summer.
  7. Replace single-pane windows with newer double-pane models, which help reflect the sun’s rays and reduce energy loss.
  8. Seal air leaks in the attic, basement and crawlspace and add weather-stripping around windows and doors. These steps will keep the cool air in and warm air out this summer.
  9. Clean and vacuum vents, baseboard heaters and ducts to reduce the potential for allergens and build-up of dust.
  10. Clean your carpet (and vacuum filters) regularly to keep pollutants out of your home and air. To aid with cleanliness, you should always take your shoes off when you get home and keep your socks on to prevent your skin’s oils from attracting dirt in carpet.

Pay Attention To Your HVAC System

  1. Inspect, clean or change your air filters once a month in your central air conditioner and furnace. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, resulting in early failure.
  2. Adjust your thermostat settings to maintain a comfortable home temperature and save energy while you are out. A programmable thermostat is a great investment and money saving device that can help you achieve temperature settings that fit your lifestyle.
  3. Have a spring check-up performed on your HVAC system to ensure your air conditioner is functioning at optimal levels and ready to keep you cool this summer. You can avoid extra costs by taking this precautionary measure.
  4. Tighten electrical connections and measure voltage on your HVAC system. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.
  5. Inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner. A plugged drain can cause water damage in your home and impact indoor humidity levels.
  6. Check controls of your HVAC system to ensure proper and safe operation. Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates and shuts off properly.
  8. Check your air conditioner’s refrigerant level. Too much or too little can make your system less efficient.
  9. Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow. Airflow problems not only impact efficiency but also air quality.
  10. Check all gas (or oil) connections. Improperly operating gas (or oil) connections are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems.


After reviewing our spring tips, we hope you are inspired to prep your home for the hot months ahead. For more seasonal tips, contact us or call (800) 246-0273.