After a frigid and gray few months, it’s finally happening: Flowers are blooming. Birds are chirping. And you have replaced that parka with a less bulky piece of outerwear.
Spring has arrived, and it is time to do some cleaning and spring home maintenance to ensure your home is in top shape for the warmer months. Crossing these items off your to-do list not only prepares your home for another season, it could also save you time and money on repairs down the road.
Inspect the Air Conditioner: Like you would do for your heater before winter, have a technician inspect your air conditioner before the temperatures get too warm. If you do not have a trusted technician in mind, look for someone affiliated with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
Once a technician has looked at your air conditioning unit, remember to clean the filters at least once every three months. Dirty filters can increase energy costs by making your air conditioner work harder, which may damage the appliance.
Check Exterior Caulk: Checking and replacing any worn-away caulk can save on your energy bills. Plus, doing it now while the weather warms up means you will not have to repeat the task in the fall.
If a gap around a window or door is wider than an edge of a nickel, you will need to reapply exterior caulk. While you are inspecting your windows and doors, consider adding weather stripping to doors to help reduce energy costs. When adding weather stripping to your doors, make sure you cannot see any daylight from inside your home.
Wash the Windows: Whether you have grandkids who leave their tiny handprints on your windowpanes, a curious pet or do not clean your windows often, washing them during the spring will allow all that extra sunlight to pour into your home.
Before you begin cleaning the glass, remember to clean the window sills and window tracks with a soft brush vacuum attachment or a damp cloth.
Check Outside Faucets: If you enjoy gardening, you know how valuable a properly functioning outdoor faucet can be. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, making sure your exterior faucets have not suffered freeze damage can save you the hassle of dealing with a broken pipe mess later. Turn on the outdoor faucet and place a finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water with your finger, it likely means the pipe that supplies the faucet has been damaged and will need to be replaced.
Look for Indoor Warning Signs: Be sure to check electrical outlets for potential fire hazards like frayed wiring or loose-fitting plugs. Test your smoke detectors to make sure they’re in working order, and replace your furnace filter.
What are your home maintenance projects for spring?
