Early Spring is a perfect time for home maintenance.
After a below normal temperature February, we are in the mood for spring, with a spell of above normal temps for early March.
Can’t do many of these home maintenance items right now, but it’s good to have a list of Spring To-Do’s for when the weather is just right. Some of these are DIY projects; others are best left to professionals.
What you can do now:
- Replace your HVAC filters. (Do this more often than once a year.) A dirty filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, which in turn drains your wallet. It could also shorten the life of your blower motor.
- Check the washing machine fill hose. Look for cracks that could become leaks. A leaky hose under pressure can cause major damage in a short period of time.
- Clean your dryer vent. Not all lint is caught in the lint trap. Some makes its way into the dryer vent. A clean vent will save you money by reducing the time your dryer has to run. A plugged vent not only wastes money, but could also cause a house fire.
- Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors if you haven’t already done so with the daylight savings time change last week.
- Drain you water heater. Sediment builds up in your water heater tank. Use the spigot near the bottom of the heater to drain it. By doing so, you’ll prolong its life and reduce your electric bill.
- Clean your carpets and upholstery. Clean carpets promote better health for the entire household.
- Clean and organize your garage. Get rid of anything you haven’t used lately.
What to do once the weather warms up:
- Inspect your roof. Your roof is your first line of defense against water damage. Inspect and repair any worn areas to prevent water damage inside your home.
- Clean your gutters. Gutters direct rain away from your roof and home, protecting both in the process. Clogged gutters open your home to water damage; and there is a good chance you won’t notice the damage until you need an expensive repair.
- Fix cracks in your walks, driveways and outside of your home. Most of these repairs are fairly easy if done immediately.
- Repair any cracked or peeling paint. Paint makes your home look nice and provides a protective barrier from the elements.
- Prepare your lawn mower for summer. Change the engine oil and sharpen the cutting blade. You’ll lengthen the life of the mower and improve the look of your lawn.
- Check the seals around doors and windows. Winter weather can crack and harden caulk and other weather seals. You’ll reduce your air-conditioning bills in the summer.
- Clean vegetation around your air conditioning compressor. To work efficiently, the compressor needs good airflow. Prune any plant growth that could block it.
A few hours spent protecting and enhancing your biggest investment is time well spent!
