14 Apr Spring Maintenance Tips

After a frosty winter, the warm breath of spring is finally here — and what better way to celebrate than a few seasonal maintenance tips for homeowners that could save you thousands of dollars?

This is one of the most important seasons for home maintenance.

After winter, you want to check your home for damage and prepare for the changing weather.

It is even recommended that you save 1-4% of your home’s value for a home maintenance fund.

Unless you are an advanced handyman, most of these items should be done by a professional, but a home inspector will do a “seasonal” inspection and check these things for you at a discounted price vs. the price of a full home inspection.

Air conditioner: Service your air conditioner unit and make sure it is level, clean, and has proper clearance. When it is not level, it will damage the compressor, and most times, you will need to replace the unit.

Exterior: Check the condition of the paint, caulk, and putty.

Window A/C units: Install or uncover the window a/c units and check the filters.

Humidifier on gas furnace: Make sure to turn off the humidifier on your gas furnace and shut off the humidifier’s duct damper.

High/low returns: Open high returns to take the heat out of the house which allows the cooling process to work more efficiently. Close low returns because you want to cool the warm air.

Gutters/Downspouts: Clean the gutters. Make sure downspouts are attached and extended at least 6 feet from the house.

Roof: Inspect the roof for winter damage. Trim trees if applicable.

Roof Vents: Inspect the roof vents for damage or bird nests. Check the screens to prevent animal intrusion.

Chimney: Inspect for any damage to the cap, flashing, and masonry.

Sump pump: Test the sump pump to make sure it removes water from the crock.

Exterior, grounds: Check that the grading of soil and hard surfaces slope away from the house.

Attic: Check for signs of leaks, mildew, condensation, and damaged framing.

Basement: Check for signs of leaks, cracks, movement, rot, and mildew.

Crawlspace: Check for adequate ventilation to remove excess moisture.

Dehumidifier: Clean and start operation in the basement as needed.

Plumbing: Check the outside hose connection for leaks.

Clothes Dryer: Clean lint from the duct and from the unit per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Refrigerator: Clean the coil, clean the drain pan, and check the drain.

Range Hood: Clean the filter & wash the fan blades.

Bathroom Tile: Check the grout, caulk, and tile for damage.

Water Heater: Draw any sediment from the tank as needed.

Sprinkler/Irrigation: Service and start the system.

Decks: Clean and seal as needed.

Swimming Pool: Arrange for service at the start of the season. Check the filter, pump, chemicals, etc.

Smoke detectors: Replace the batteries on the smoke detectors. Do this when you set the clock ahead for daylight savings time.

Lastly, for Spring cleaning: Wash walls & windows. Clean carpeting & upholstery.