It’s hard to believe, but May is already here — the month when graduations, backyard barbecues, and kids counting down to summer vacation take over our calendars. But while you’re pulling out the patio furniture or planning that Memorial Day weekend escape, don’t forget: May is National Home Improvement Month, and it’s the perfect time to get your home ready for the season ahead.
At B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we’ve been helping Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, and surrounding homeowners stay cool, comfortable, and confident in their homes since 1971. That’s over 50 years of walking into homes where swamp coolers were leaking on Mother’s Day, AC units sputtered out on graduation weekends, and surprise plumbing leaks turned family cookouts into a soggy affair. We’ve seen it all — and we want to help you avoid those headaches this summer.
So, while the days are warming up and the cottonwoods are starting their annual fluffy takeover, let’s walk through the essential home maintenance every homeowner should tackle this month — and let you know why joining our Care Club might be the smartest upgrade you make all year.
What Is National Home Improvement Month?
National Home Improvement Month, championed by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), is all about helping homeowners take charge of their home maintenance. Think of it as spring cleaning’s more practical cousin — instead of just decluttering closets, it’s the time to tackle the tasks that actually protect your home and your wallet.
For us in central New Mexico, May couldn’t be a better month for it. You’re out of the worst of spring winds, monsoon season hasn’t arrived yet, and the summer heat hasn’t settled in. It’s the perfect window to tune up your systems, patch up any small issues, and head into summer with confidence.
(If you’re curious, you can read more at NARI’s site, but stick with us here — we’ve got tips you won’t want to miss.)
Why Preventive Maintenance Matters
Let’s be real — no one gets excited about maintenance. But here’s what we’ve learned over five decades and thousands of homes: the families who stay ahead of home maintenance spend less time worrying and less money on big repairs.
- You save money by catching small issues before they turn into expensive emergencies.
- You avoid breakdowns right when you need systems most — like during a July heat wave or a surprise monsoon storm.
- You improve comfort by keeping everything running efficiently and smoothly.
- You protect your family’s health with better air and water quality.
- You add value to your home by keeping it in top condition.
This is exactly why we created our Care Club — to make preventive maintenance easy, affordable, and automatic for busy homeowners. More on that in a bit!
Make It Manageable: One Step at a Time
Here’s the secret to tackling home maintenance without feeling overwhelmed: you don’t have to do it all at once. Spread tasks out over a few weekends. Get the family involved. Or, better yet, call in the pros (that’s what we’re here for!).
Now, let’s break it down room by room.
Your Master Checklist: Room-by-Room Maintenance Tips
Kitchen
- Check faucet aerators for clogs.
- Inspect under-sink plumbing for leaks.
- Clean the garbage disposal (ice cubes and lemon do wonders!).
- Test GFCI outlets.
- Check dishwasher and fridge hoses for cracks.
Bathrooms
- Inspect caulk and grout for cracks or mold.
- Clean shower and sink drains.
- Test GFCI outlets.
- Check under-sink plumbing.
- Test the exhaust fan.
Water Heater (Attic, Basement, Garage)
- Flush the tank to remove sediment.
- Inspect for leaks.
- Test the pressure relief valve.
- Check insulation.
Lights & Breakers
- Replace burned-out bulbs.
- Check light switches.
- Test outlets.
- Inspect smoke and CO detectors.
- Reset tripped breakers.
Outdoor Spaces
- Inspect hose bibs for winter damage.
- Check irrigation systems.
- Clean gutters.
- Clear debris around outdoor AC units.
- Check exterior lighting.
HVAC Maintenance Priorities
Your HVAC system deserves extra care heading into summer. And in our region, that doesn’t just mean refrigerated air — swamp coolers (also called evaporative coolers) are still a beloved and energy-efficient choice for many homes.
Here’s what to put on your spring checklist:
- Schedule your swamp cooler or AC tune-up — our techs will check refrigerant levels, capacitors, coils, and electrical components for AC systems, or inspect water lines, pads, pumps, and belts for swamp coolers.
- Change HVAC filters to improve air quality, especially during allergy season when elm, cottonwood, and juniper pollen are in full swing.
- Clear the condensate drain line on AC systems to prevent clogs and water damage.
- Inspect the outdoor AC unit or rooftop swamp cooler for leaves, debris, or winter damage.
- Test the thermostat and ensure your system is cycling properly before those 90°F days hit.
(Pro tip: Care Club members get seasonal tune-ups 2x a year — so you can relax knowing B. Carlson has your home covered before the heat arrives.)
Plumbing Maintenance Priorities
Water damage can ruin more than your day — it can wreck walls, floors, and your wallet.
- Check under sinks, around toilets, and at outdoor faucets for leaks.
- Flush the water heater to extend its life.
- Clean slow drains — or call us before a small clog becomes a big backup.
Electrical Maintenance Priorities
- Check the electrical panel for tripped breakers.
- Test GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and garages.
- Swap out dead bulbs and clean fixtures.
- Test smoke and CO detectors and replace batteries.
- Inspect and clean ceiling fan blades; switch the direction for summer cooling.
Businesses, You’re Not Off the Hook!
Commercial customers, we’re looking at you. We know restaurants, retail shops, and office buildings across Central New Mexico rely on their systems to keep things running smoothly.
- Clean and maintain grease traps.
- Ensure commercial drain systems are licensed and compliant.
- Set up preventive HVAC and plumbing service calls with us to make it easy to do each season.
Why Join the Care Club?
We get it — life is busy. Between work, family, school events, and summer travel, it’s easy to push maintenance to the bottom of the list. That’s why our Care Club is such a game changer.
When you join the Care Club, you get:
- Regular HVAC and plumbing checkups.
- Priority service (even during peak seasons).
- Exclusive member discounts.
- Peace of mind knowing B. Carlson has your back.
Our Care Club is designed for busy homeowners who want to protect their comfort and investment without the hassle of remembering every filter change, water heater flush, or AC tune-up.
Celebrate National Home Improvement Month With Confidence
You did your spring cleaning, so take the time to give the rest of your home the attention it deserves — and let B. Carlson help you do it right.
When you join our Care Club, you’re not just signing up for maintenance — you’re joining a family of homeowners across Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, and beyond who count on us for expert care, trusted advice, and a little extra peace of mind.
With over 50 years of keeping homes comfortable and families happy, we know how to make home maintenance easy, affordable, and friendly — just like a good neighbor should.
So why wait? Call B. Carlson today and join the Care Club — because when it comes to your home, we’re always ready to be Your Best Friend in Home Services.
FAQs
What is National Home Improvement Month?
National Home Improvement Month, led by NARI, is a nationwide effort every May to help homeowners stay ahead on preventive maintenance. For families here in Central New Mexico, it’s the perfect reminder to get your home ready before the summer heat kicks in — when our 90–100°F days test both older swamp coolers and modern refrigerated air systems.
How can I tell if my AC condenser line is clogged?
A clogged AC condenser line is common in our dry desert climate, where dust, pet hair, and even cottonwood fluff can back things up fast. Watch for water pooling near your indoor unit, musty smells, or unusually high humidity inside. If you’re not sure, don’t sweat it — give B. Carlson a call. We’ll check it during your tune-up and make sure your system’s ready to keep you cool all summer.
specialized care. A licensed plumber, like the pros at B. Carlson, can handle tough clogs without damaging your plumbing. We’re familiar with everything from historic adobe homes to brand-new builds, and we’ll make sure your drains are cleared safely and thoroughly.
Do I need to maintain my swamp cooler before summer?
Swamp coolers are a classic choice for Albuquerque’s dry climate, but they need love before the first heat wave. Before summer, drain and clean the pan, check the pads, clear the water line, and test the pump and fan. If climbing on the roof isn’t your idea of fun, just call B. Carlson — we’ll handle startup service and get your cooler humming, so you’re ready when the desert heat rolls in.
What are signs my water heater needs maintenance?
Our hard water takes a toll on water heaters, whether they’re in the garage, attic, or utility room. If you hear rumbling or banging noises, notice rusty or cloudy water, or run out of hot water faster than usual, it’s a sign your water heater needs attention. Flushing the tank can extend its life — and Care Club members get regular service to stay ahead of surprises.
How often should I test smoke and CO detectors?
For families in our service areas, especially those in older or multi-level homes, we recommend testing smoke and CO detectors once a month. Change the batteries twice a year — a good rule of thumb is to do it when you change the clocks for daylight savings. If you’ve got high ceilings or hard-to-reach detectors, let us know; we’re happy to help during a maintenance visit.
Do I need a licensed plumber for my home’s drain cleaning?
Yes — especially here in New Mexico, where older homes often have clay or cast-iron pipes that require
