Annual Spring Home Maintenance
Spring is almost here! With that comes getting your home ready for warmer temperatures. During winter months, many aspects of your home aren’t used as often, meaning they may need some attention once the weather thaws out. We’ve compiled a few tips to help you prepare your home for spring and ensure you’ll be ready to enjoy the warmer weather when it arrives.
Inspect Your A/C
Fall and spring are the two most important times to check your home’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. Ensure air filters have been replaced or cleaned and stock up on new filters if you use the disposable kind. Clean filters are crucial since allergens are at their peak this time of year. Check your air conditioner before the summer to ensure it is in good working order. If you need it to be serviced by a professional, it will be less expensive and quicker than during the summer months.
Prepare Your Lawnmower
Your lawnmower has more than likely been in storage since summer. Now is the time to change the engine oil and sharpen the cutting blade in preparation for warmer weather. By doing this you’ll also lengthen the life of the mower and improve the look of your lawn.
Clean Your Dryer Vent
Did you know that not all lint gets caught in the lint trap? Debris will often bypass the trap and can make its way into the dryer vent. Cleaning your dryer hose, ducts, and vent at least twice a year will help to prevent the possibility of a house fire. An unclogged system can also save you money since properly maintained appliances are more energy-efficient!
Trim Your Trees
It’s important to cut back branches while they’re still bare to reduce the risk of them snapping off during a storm and landing on your house, car or power line.
Clean Your Gutters
Remove those dead leaves from your gutters and downspouts so heavy rain can flow efficiently off your roof. Make sure that those downspouts are secure so water is draining away from your home and not soaking into the foundation. While you’re up there, inspect the roof for broken or missing shingles or tiles.
Inspect Caulking
The cold weather can often cause windows and doors to separate slightly from their frames. Walk around your home and examine the door and window caulking. Don’t forget to open each door and window to check the condition of the weather stripping.
Tend to Your Attic
Make sure your attic is either insulated or equipped with a high-quality attic fan to direct the hot air up and out of the home. Be sure to reverse all ceiling fans so that the blades are running counter-clockwise to help remove heat rather than pushing it back into your living space.
