Spring is finally here and now is the time to begin what could be the highest paying projects you will accomplish all year – the spring home maintenance checklist. Some are simple while others are more tedious, but these seasonal maintenance tasks will help you avoid thousands of dollars in repair costs down the line. You may be able to accomplish them all yourself, but do not hesitate to call a professional if you have questions. A safe home is a happy home.
The Indoor Checklist
- Check the batteries in your smoke detectors; test and replace them if necessary. The number of smoke detectors each dwelling should have will vary.
- Clean your dryer vent thoroughly, from the dryer to where the hose exits your home. Not all dryer lint is stopped by the lint trap, and dryer lint becomes a fire hazard if left unchecked.
- Clean or replace all HVAC and furnace filters. Your appliances will run cleaner and that means less expensive. Typically this should be done more than once per year; check your owner’s manual for filter specifications.
- Drain your water heater. Over time, sediment builds up in the water heater tank and must be removed. Use the spigot located near the bottom of your unit to drain the tank. Doing so will extend the life of your water heater.
- Inspect your washing machine fill hose. Look carefully for cracks, wear, and damp areas as drips and leaks will lead to expensive water damage.
- Vacuum your refrigerator coils. The dust and debris that gathers here causes your appliance to work harder and therefore less efficiently. You will find these coils on the bottom or the back side of your refrigerator.
- Review your electrical outlets. To avoid potential fire hazards, immediately attend to any damaged wires, loose plugs, or overloaded electrical outlets.
- Inspect doors, windows, and screens. Changes in temperature and humidity can damage vital sealants. Carefully examine your doors and windows for cracked or damaged caulking or other sealants. Take time to look over your screens and repair them if necessary.
- Double check your fire extinguisher. Check to make sure it’s in top condition. Have it tested and filled if necessary. If you do not have one, purchase a multi-purpose fire extinguisher and place it in an easily accessible location.
The Outdoor Checklist
- Examine your roof. Winter is hard on a roof. Snow, ice, and wind wreak havoc on your home‘s first line of defense. Inspect carefully for evidence of water damage and worn, broken, or missing shingles or tiles.
- Clear your gutters. Keeping water off and away from your home is a top priority. To keep the water flowing freely, you must clear any leaves and other winter debris from your gutters. Review these tips on how to use a ladder safely before starting this project.
- Remove yard and garden debris. Trees, branches, and other vegetation should be removed from the areas surrounding your AC compressor, generator, propane tanks, and other outdoor storage or appliances.
- Prepare your lawn mower. Clearing any debris from your mower’s moving parts, sharpening the blade, and adding new fuel and fresh oil will ensure a cleaner start to your springtime lawn maintenance projects.
- Clean patios, fences, and outdoor surfaces. A garden hose will accomplish this task, but a pressure washer will do the best job. You can double-duty this project and use this time to inspect for damages to the exterior of your home and yard.
- Repair cracked or peeling exterior paint. This project protects your home from water and weather damage as well as presents a more attractive façade.
- Fix cracks in your driveway and walkways. Winter weather, melting snow, and frost heaves will cause damage to these surfaces.Damage to asphalt, concrete, stucco, and patio blocks become a safety hazard if not repaired right away. These easy fixes go a long way to creating a safer and more aesthetic home.
Although you may need to set aside a full weekend to complete these projects, doing so will ensure that your family’s home remains safe and beautiful in the coming year. With these projects out of the way early, you and your loved ones will be free to spend more time doing what you enjoy together all season long.
At Eaton & Berube, the safety of your family, home, and meaningful assets is our priority. For additional home maintenance tips and other useful resources, please subscribe to our blog or contact us.