Spring is in the air! The days are longer, the weather is warmer and you are finally able to get to that list of home maintenance projects for spring. Now that the threat of an impending winter storm is gone you can look for damage, make any needed repairs and prep your home and garden for spring and summer. The experts at Jackson Comfort want to help you get your home ready for the warm-weather season, check out our top 10 “Must-Do” Projects for Early Spring.
1. Clean Gutters
It’s likely that winter storms caused leaves and twigs to accumulate in your home’s gutter system. Blocked or leaky gutters can create pools of water around your home’s foundation leading to damage or the potential for flooding. Clean your gutters to ensure proper drainage and to prevent rainwater from affecting your foundation.
2. Replace Filters
Spring is a great time to replace all the essential household filters. Your furnace filter should be changed every season to keep your hvac system running at peak efficiency and performance. Also remember to change your water and range hood filters every 3-6 months depending on use and manufacturer specifications.
3. Clear Out the Dryer Vent
A neglected dryer vent is a fire hazard. Disconnect the vent from the back of the machine and vacuum the lint. Next go outside, open the vent cover and remove any lint build-up that has accumulated over time.
4. Remove Dead Plants
Not only are dead plants a fire hazard, they can also make a great home to unwanted bees, rodents and insects. So before you add those new bright and beautiful flowers to your bed, make sure you remove any dead plants first!
5. Spring Deep Clean
It’s time for that spring deep cleaning, where you focus on all those hard to reach areas that get neglected the rest of the year. Dust, dirt, pet dander and other debris can collect behind appliances, furniture, on top of cabinets, blinds, light fixtures, ceiling fans and more. Use microfiber cloths to capture and contain the dust without spreading it around.
6. Keep Allergens at Bay
As exciting as it is to open your doors and windows when spring temperatures arrive, think twice if someone in your home suffers from seasonal allergies. Once those spring allergens like pollen and ragweed make their way into your home, it’s hard to get rid of them without a good indoor air quality system.
7. Inspect the Roof
Despite our mild winter there can still be damage to your roof. Make sure all shingles are intact and look for signs of leaks or damage on the exterior of your home. It’s not a bad idea to check your attic for signs of water or rodent penetration as well.
8. Test Smoke Alarms
Easiest way to prevent disaster. Simply press the “test” button on each individual smoke detector in your home. Just because one is working doesn’t mean they all are. Replace batteries at least once per year, and replace the whole unit every 6-7 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
9. Check Outdoor Faucets
Hopefully before winter you shut off the water leading to your outdoor faucets. Turn the water back on and inspect your hose bibs for cracks and leaks that can lead to water damage or a mold infestation. One simple way you can check is by applying adequate pressure by placing your thumb over the spigot to block it. Turn the water on, if the pressure is great enough to force your thumb away you should be fine! If not, there might be a crack somewhere in the piping and you’ll need to consult with a professional.
10. Call for an HVAC Tune-Up
Just because your house is cool does not mean your AC unit is working efficiently. It could be working harder than it needs to and costing you your hard-earned money. Take care of your equipment by servicing it regularly. This will prevent costly repairs, extend system life span and ensure maximum performance and efficiency. The best time to have your system cleaned and inspected is in the early spring before much if any regular use.
