As winter comes to a close, homeowners are preparing for the warm weather ahead. While the promise of brighter days can be uplifting, there’s still plenty of work to be done. In addition to general spring cleaning tasks, there are several home maintenance tasks to complete before the summer hits.
Here are some essential home maintenance tasks to complete this spring.
1. Prepare Your Air Conditioner
Preparing your air conditioner for the summer months should be at the top of your list for spring maintenance. Waiting until the first warm day to test everything is a big mistake. Additionally, waiting until too close to the summer will put you in the busy season for AC Repair services, which means you could have to wait longer or pay more to have your air conditioner turned on.
First, turn off the power to your AC unit. Then, conduct a visual inspection of your air conditioner, removing any debris that’s accumulated over the fall and winter. If you use a cover on your exterior unit, take a closer look to ensure no rodents or birds have nested inside.
Preparing your air conditioner consists of cleaning filters, checking loose connections, and ensuring no fluids are leaking from the unit. Once you’re free and clear of the unit, you can turn the power back on and run a test. Alternatively, you can outsource this task to the experts by scheduling a tune-up visit, who will better understand what to look for and how to make minor adjustments to improve the system’s efficiency.
2. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
When starting your spring to-do list, checking the roof and gutters is the other top priority. The winter season can be rough on the roof, and you’ll want to make any necessary repairs before minor issues become significant problems.
Prioritize your safety when inspecting the roof. You’re looking for signs of loose or missing shingles and damaged flashing. These should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent leaks and rot. If you find missing shingles, check the attic for leaks.
You should also be on the lookout for moss growth, which could degrade your roof over time. If you have any large trees near the roof, consider trimming back any overhanging branches to mitigate this issue.
The gutters tend to accumulate sticks and leaves over the fall and winter, which could impede the water flow during the spring months. Your gutters play an important role in moving water away from your house, preventing roof rot and flooding. Take the time to clear out debris and make any repairs as needed.
Again, this is an integral task that you could outsource to an expert. Call a trusted roofing service to do an inspection and make minor repairs.
3. Check and Address Alarms
Now that the two big-ticket items are handled, there’s still one more safety issue to address. It’s crucial to check fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors frequently, replacing the batteries as needed. Consider aligning this task with the spring and fall equinoxes to help you remember.
4. Prepare Your Lawn Tools and Gear
Next, it’s time to prepare your spring lawn tools and gear and put away everything from the winter. Take some time to clean and treat your shovels as needed to prevent rust over the summer. If you have a snowblower, clean it before storing it away.
Get out your spring tools and note anything that should be replaced or repaired. Test your lawnmower, sprinkler system, and any other tools you might require for spring and summer yard maintenance.
5. Prepare for Pests
Pests are the one downside of the spring and summer months. Check the attic for signs of rodents or birds, and call a pest control service if needed. You can avoid using chemicals around your home by sprinkling diatomaceous earth around your foundation to deter spiders, centipedes, earwigs, and other creepy crawlies from heading inside.
If you have a wood stove, move any remaining firewood away from your house. Having firewood stored alongside your home increases the risk of a termite infestation.
Finally, go through your yard and deal with any sources of standing water. This environment is where mosquitoes lay their eggs. It’s also worth connecting with neighbors and offering a hand if you notice any in their yard.
6. Check Windows and Screens
There’s nothing like throwing open the windows on the first nice day of the year— until the bugs start flying in. Inspect all of your windows and screens, checking for rips that need patching or severe damage that requires a replacement.
Next, check the caulking around the windows and determine whether any seals have been compromised. Damaged window seals could result in excess moisture, creating poor air quality and increasing the risk of mold and mildew. Additionally, you’ll effectively be paying for your air conditioning to go outside if you don’t deal with this issue.
7. Repair Walkways, Driveways, and Decks
Finally, walk around your house and determine whether the driveway or walkways need repairs. As ice forms, thaws, and refreezes, it expands cracks in exterior surfaces. If left unaddressed, these cracks will dramatically reduce the lifespan and quality of your driveway and paths.
Give your wooden deck a good scrub and determine whether it needs a coat of stain or sealant to prepare for the months ahead. A high-quality sealant should last one to two years.
Use this time to prepare your home for the coming summer, enjoying the brighter days and the opportunity to be outside more. The more you accomplish during the spring, the more relaxing your summer.
