(NAPSI)—It’s time to check around the house to make sure things are operating efficiently. Here are 10 often-overlooked tasks to add to your home-cleaning list:

1. Check AC: Have your air-conditioning system tuned up to lower energy bills and ensure the system is running at its manufacturer-rated efficiency.

2. Check Water Heater: If your water heater is more than five years old, check it for signs of leakage or rusting at the bottom.

3. Fertilize Lawn: Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer once in the spring and again in the fall.

4. Check Refrigerator: Clean the refrigerator’s condenser coil with a long-handled bottle brush and a vacuum cleaner with an attachment hose to remove dust and lint that could shut down the unit by causing it to overheat.

5. Clean Gutters: Clean the gutters so the rainwater flows easily off the roof. Clearing leaves prevents water from pooling in areas and attracting mosquitoes.

6. Organize Closets: Wash or dry-clean clothes before storing them in a zippered sweater or blanket bag or in a plastic bin.

7. Clean Carpets: Vacuum carpets and shampoo with a spray foam or powder, or rent a steamer from the hardware store for a deeper clean.

8. Wash Exterior Windows: Pick a cloudy day to wash exterior windows. Too much sun dries the cleaning solution too quickly and creates streaks.

9. File Important Documents: Store warranties, operating manuals and other documents in hanging files, folders or binders for easy access.

10. Check Batteries: The average home is filled with battery-operated devices-from flashlights to smoke detectors to cordless phones. Don’t forget to test those devices and replace the batteries with fresh ones.

Test smoke alarms once per month and change the batteries at least twice per year. Ensure there is at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home, particularly in or near sleeping areas.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 3,000 people in the U.S. lose their lives in residential fires every year. It’s time to replace the batteries if the detector emits a warning sound, such as chirping or beeping.

Interstate Batteries makes 16,000 different kinds of batteries—powering automobiles, laptops and everything in between. Interstate All Battery Centers will have, find or build the right battery for just about any gadget around your home.

For more information, visit www.interstatebatteries.com.

 

On the Net: North American Precis Syndicate (NAPSI)