Perform spring maintenance for your HVAC system. Before the warm weather arrives, test your HVAC system and change the air filters to reduce the use of energy and improve air quality. Check the ductwork for any leaks or cracks, then make sure you clear the drainage hole so there is no water backup. It is also suggested that you clean out all vents (heating vents, dryer vents, chimneys, exhaust pipes, etc…) that could be inhabited by nesting animals. Routine maintenance for a dehumidifier is also recommended to prevent moisture and mold.
Repair roofing, siding, and windows. The winter can leave homeowners with a plentiful amount of home repairs. Roofing and siding can come loose caused by cold wind, snow and freezing ice. If you see any buckled or loose shingles, they will need to be replaced before the hot summer sun generates additional unnecessary damage. Windows can also get the brunt of damage from the winter. Check for cracks or leaks so water cannot get in and create a mold problem.
Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause gutter damage, roof leaks, damage to siding, and crack in the home’s foundation. If water backs up in the gutters, the roof and siding begin to rot, causing major damage down the road. Once water leaks into your home, mold can begin to develop, which can cause many problems, including health issues. It is essential that gutters get cleaned and filtered at least twice a year.
Repair weathered paint. The warm spring temperatures make for perfect painting conditions.If your home needs exterior painting, this should be at the top of your to do list. Paint helps to protect your home from the environment such as sun, wind and moisture. Spotting problem areas early is a good way to save yourself time and money in the long run.
Invest in an interior home cleaning. Open the windows and let the fest air in!Homes can get very dusty and dirty in the winter because of the confined air. An extensive spring cleaning has benefits that go beyond just having a clean home. Having a clean home supports a strong immune system, reduces stress and can increase your productivity.
Turn on water to outside spigots, outdoor showers and irrigation systems. Before turning the water main on, repair any piping or drain leaks found by a visual inspection. Do not turn on the water supply before any known cut or broken pipes are repaired. When in doubt, always call a professional.
Invest in a generator. If you’ve struggled through a summer blackout, you might want to invest in a generator. A generator will keep your important appliances running such as freezers, refrigerators and medical equipment. This will prevent many medical emergencies and food from spoiling if power is shut off for a long period of time. Also, if you have well water or a sump pump, a generator will allow your plumbing to operate.
Check your fire extinguisher. Soon it will be the season of fire pits and grilling. Don’t go into the spring and summer without working fire extinguishers, and make sure everyone in the household knows where they are and how they work. Homes should have 1 fire extinguisher on each floor.
Perform routine tests and maintenance on smoke and Co2 detectors. Every spring, batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be changed. Clean the detectors from spider webs, dust and debris. Dispose and replace detectors every 10 years. Smoke detectors should not be thrown in the trash. Check with your local recycling facility to see if it will accept old detectors. Many will accept photoelectric detectors but not ionization detectors because they contain radioactive material.
Schedule a septic system inspection.Routine maintenance can lengthen the life of your septic system. How often you need to pump depends on the size of the tank and the amount of water used in your home. If you have a busy household with lots of family members running the dishwasher, doing laundry and taking routine showers, you may want to schedule your tank to be pumped once every spring. The typical life expectancy of a septic system is 25 to 30 years. Find out when your tank was last replaced to avoid a septic disaster.
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