With Spring comes a good spring cleaning around the house. A general check around your home, both inside and out, is important at the first sign of warm weather. In between exercising and playing with your kids, Spring opens the perfect opportunity to have your air conditioning and other mechanical systems checked by a home maintenance professional. Some of these additional tasks listed below can be performed by you as well, so take the time to spruce up your home for Spring because it will save you a lot of money and time over the season. Here are some of the areas you should inspect once Spring is in the air.
1. Loose Objects
Check for loose gutters, downspouts, shingles, and siding or cracks in the sidewalk and driveway that need repair and cleaning. If shingles are missing, curling, broken, or cracked they should be replaced. Spring is the perfect time to prepare for difficult weather in the upcoming seasons.
2. Clogged Gutters
Gutters should be cleaned in the spring and again in the fall. Leaves and twigs clogging your gutters will prevent rain from draining properly which could cause further damage. While cleaning your gutters, check for holes or rust and make sure they are securely attached to the house.
3. Shrubs and Trees
Prune trees and bushes as necessary in the Spring time so they will be ready for the upcoming growing season. Clean away organic debris that has gathered during the winter. Pruning removes deadwood, improves the shape, and maintains the plant’s health.
4. Decks and Patios
Test your deck for any boards or railings that need replacing. Maintenance of your walkways will help prevent guests and your family from tripping or falling. Take the time to examine all the wood carefully to see if any boards are rotten. Walk around your deck and listen for squeaks. Try to feel for soft spots or sagging areas. All these signal potential damages.
5. Pipes
Inside the house check the pipes in the kitchen and baths for leaks that need fixing. Repair any dripping faucets or tubs that may have resulted from any Winter freezes. Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function.
6. Sump Pump
Check your sump pump for proper operation and change the battery in the backup. A yearly cleaning is recommended before the rainy season hits. If you spot an oily film on the surface of the water in your sump pump, verify the condition of the oil seal. The appearance of oil may indicate a faulty oil seal which could cause the motor to burn out in the pump.
7. Batteries
Spring is the perfect time to inspect and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Batteries weaken with age and should be checked regularly and generally replaced once a year.
8. Oven/Stove Top
Give your kitchen range, hood, and oven area a good cleaning to remove all built-up grease to prevent fires. Keeping this area clean of cooking grease will help keep a stovetop fire from spreading.
9. Air Conditioner
Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer. Spring is the perfect time to get your AC inspected to be ready for the hot Summer season.
10. Water Heater
Check around the bottom of your water heater to make sure there are no leaks or rusting. Replace your water heater if you find any damaged areas.
11. Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, have it cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep to keep the area safe.
