April 2009 News

Spring will be here soon! After all the rainy, snowy, sunless days we've been experiencing, we're all infected with a little cabin fever, anxious to get outside and enjoy some sun. Slowly but surely, spring is making its way here. Why not take advantage of the warmer days with a little work in the yard? Now's the perfect time for some outdoor maintenance -- give your plants a little late-winter/early spring attention, pick up twigs and branches brought down by winter winds and snow, and maybe start planning that summer landscaping project. (And don't forget to submit your project for ARC approval.)
Green Tip O'The Month! April 22nd is Earth Day, and this year there are lots of activities and volunteer opportunities for anyone interested in doing something to help Planet Earth. Plant a tree (or many trees!), spend the day outdoors, do some spring cleaning and reduce, reuse, and recycle, change out all your incandescents to CFLs, start a vegetable garden, go for a walk or a bike ride, donate to an eco-charity, spread the word to friends and family...or anything else you can do.

Check out our Sustainability page for more tips on how easy it is being green!

And speaking of spring.... Aside from cleaning the house, this is the perfect time of year to take care of other household maintenance to get your house ship shape. A helpful list to get you started:
- Replace your furnace filter.
- Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
- Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Check for damage to your roof.
- Protect your home from sewer or drain back-up losses.
- Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration.
- Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer.
- Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged.
- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.