Living in Washington, D.C., I always know that spring has officially arrived when the cherry blossom trees on the Tidal Basin bloom their delicate pink and white petals. They signal the coming of warmer weather and the start of my annual spring cleaning project.

To me, spring cleaning is more than dusting off a bookshelf and wiping down the baseboards -- it's also about inspecting mechanical systems and preparing my home for the changing seasons. Taking the time to complete a thorough spring cleaning is a way to value your home and properly care for your financial investment. I'm not going to lie to you and say that spring cleaning is the most fun activity I've encountered in my lifetime, but it's not awful, it feels amazing when it's completed, and it will ultimately save you money.

I've broken the spring cleaning projects into two categories -- systems and rooms. Today's entry will cover house systems and next Tuesday will delve into a room-by-room guide. These lists are long, but don't let them overwhelm you. Pick and choose as you feel comfortable. Even if you just do one activity on these lists, it's still one chore that hadn't been done previously. Think of this as a guide, not a rule book.

Twenty-five Systems:

1. Have your furnace professionally inspected. This is probably the most expensive item on the list of spring cleaning activities, but definitely worth the investment. If you have a central air and heating unit, be sure that the inspector also checks your drains, lines, and reservoirs. If you like the person who came to do the work, go ahead and make an appointment now for next year.
2. Change your furnace filters.
3. Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them once the new batteries are in place.
4. Change filter in range hood.
5. Check dates and charge on fire extinguishers and replace if necessary.
6. Have a professional sweep your fireplace chimney, inspect your flue, and test vents.
7. Flush your water heater tank by carefully following these instructions.
8. Vacuum out your dryer's vent hose and scrub the lint filter with soapy water and a bristle brush.
9. Clean out the lint trap on your washing machine if applicable.
10. Clean leaves and debris out of gutters and downspouts.
11. Remove, clean, and store storm windows and replace with screens.
12. While storm windows and screens are off the windows, wash their exteriors and interiors. You may want to hire a professional window washer for this task if you live in a multiple-level home. Don't wash them with a power washer or hose because you may damage the seals on the window, instead follow instructions based on your window type.
13. Wash window blinds and curtains per manufacturer's instructions.
14. Have lawn mower serviced and prepared for summer use.
15. Replace battery on garage door opener and check belts/chain on drive opening mechanisms.
16. Schedule and run a test with your home security system provider.
17. Send area rugs and hall runners out to be cleaned, and have wall-to-wall carpets professionally cleaned throughout your home.
18. Inspect wood floors for damage, scratches, and wear patterns. Have floors waxed or refinished if necessary.
19. Check walls for paint touch up, cleaning, or repairing needs. Fix accordingly.
20. Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans, and replace light bulbs and blades as necessary throughout your home. If the fixture has a ceramic or glass component prone to collecting dust or dead bugs, you will want to remove these and clean them with a mild detergent. Be sure to dry fully before replacing. Don't forget to check exterior lights, too.
21. Clean dishwasher drain if do not have a self-cleaning model.
22. Take interior and exterior trash cans and litter boxes to a self-service car wash and power wash these items.
23. Review paper filing system. For more help on this subject, see this Unclutterer article.
24. Polish door handles throughout your home and oil any squeaky hinges.
25. Remove air vents and clean off dust and debris.