There are always things to be done when you are a homeowner. Maintaining everything with your home will extend the life of your investment. Spring is a perfect time to do some of the following maintenance must-dos.
1. Replace HVAC filters
The purpose of your HVAC filters is to keep dust and other impurities out of the air in your home. Filters also keep your system running efficiently. The rule of thumb is to change them every 30 – 90 days. A dirty filter is not only unhealthy for homeowners but if not changed the dust that filters collect will end up on the coil and blower blades. This will lead to reducing the system’s efficiency and giving the homeowner a hefty utility bill.
2. Check gutters and downspouts
After the winter, it is a good time to clean out and inspect your gutters and downspouts. When inspecting for damage, clean out all of the debris. Your gutters and downspouts divert water away from the foundation, help stop the eaves from rotting, block critters from entering the home, and protect your home from rain damage.
3. Inspect sprinklers or irrigation systems
Lawn sprinklers or an irrigation system are great for keeping your lawn and landscaping healthy. If running properly, they can save you resources and money. To make sure they are in good condition before the hot summer season, manually run each zone and look for damaged or broken heads. A great tip is to make sure your nozzles are pointing away from windows which can cause moisture damage.
4. Schedule or perform seasonal air conditional maintenance
The best solution is to hire a pro to check your system each season. During their inspections, they will change the filters, clean the evaporator coil, clean the evaporator drain line to remove blockages such as mold or algae, remove debris such as twigs and leaves, and confirm that there is at least a two-foot buffer around the outdoor unit.
5. Look at driveways and paths
Cold weather can wreak havoc on a home’s hardscaping. Driveways and paths are usually made out of asphalt and concrete can crack when freezing and thawing. Walk around your property and check all of the walkways, paths, and driveways. In order to keep the wear and tear down, make sure exterior concrete drains away from the foundation, fill cracks with concrete or asphalt crack filler, and power-wash and seal repaired concrete.
6. Examine roof shingles
Winter is windy and cold and shingles can get damaged or blow away. The springtime is a good time to check for cracked, buckled, loose, or missing shingles. This is a great time to inspect and repair flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys.
7. Probe wood trim
To check for rot take a screwdriver and probe wood trim around windows, doors, decks, and railings. Remember if you do make repairs be sure to caulk and repaint. A good tip to keep in mind is to install aluminum wrap over your wood to protect your fascia.
8. Check your chimney
When checking your chimney inspect both the outside and inside. Look for signs of damage and wear and tear. During the spring clean the flue, remove ash from your fireplace and sprinkle residual ash on flower beds for nutrients.
9. Look for signs of pest
Pests include insects and wildlife which can cause big problems for your home. Walk along the perimeter and search for distributed soil which could mean there are burrowing pests. If there are signs of pests you should call animal control or a removal specialist. To keep critters out, fix cracks in the foundation, repair leaking pipes and clean up standing water, seal gas, electrical and water pipe entry points, seal around doors and windows, and remove leaves and mulch away from your home’s foundation.
10. Examine the foundation thoroughly
Freezing and then thawing can have a negative impact on your home’s foundation. Just caulking the cracks to pest-proof might not be good enough. A foundation contractor can assess your foundation and make any necessary repairs. Remember to always research a contractor before hiring them through custom reviews and the Better Business Bureau.
11. Paint and wash siding
Not only does clean siding and painting enhance your home’s exterior but it can protect it from damage. The spring is a great time to fix any damage or cracks in your siding, replace damaged siding, remove dirt, grime, and cobwebs, and touch up paint on chipped, cracked, rusted, or damaged areas.
Your home needs attention all year, but spring is the best time to check up on your home. Seasonal maintenance is the key to keeping your home in check.
