Spring is here, and that means it’s time to get your home in top shape. There are a lot of essential tasks you need to do to ensure your home is ready for the warmer weather and the months ahead. With this checklist, you can make sure that everything gets taken care of so you can enjoy the summer months with peace of mind.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts:
Clogged gutters can cause water damage, leaky roofs, and mold growth. Make sure that all debris is cleared from your gutters and downspouts so they can do their job properly. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional for safety reasons.
Inspect Roofing Materials:
To preserve the integrity of your roof and ensure it’s prepared for bad weather, inspect your existing material and replace any cracked or missing shingles. This simple step will go a long way in protecting against leaks.
Check Exterior Paint Job:
With warm weather fast approaching, give the exterior of your home a quick refresher by examining for any signs of damage. Peeling paint or chipping areas should be quickly addressed to maintain an attractive and polished look!
Wash Windows Inside & Out:
Let more natural light into your home by washing away dirt and film from both sides of each window pane with a soft cloth, some soap, and warm water. This will also keep windows from fogging up in humid conditions, which could lead to more energy bills due to air conditioning running longer periods of time throughout the day/night outside temperatures increase/decrease faster than expected during the spring/summer season(s).
Test Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Make sure these life-saving devices are in working order by testing them at least once every six months and replacing batteries if needed. It’s always best practice to install new units every five years or sooner, depending on manufacturer recommendations/warranties associated with detectors installed within the given timeframe(s).
Clean Dryer Vents & Chimney Flues:
Lint buildups inside dryer vents are an extremely common cause of house fires during the summer months when high temperatures are present (especially if there’s no proper ventilation installed leading up through the attic space/roof area where the dryer vent exits outside). Additionally, cleaning chimney flue pipes as needed throughout the year helps remove hazardous creosote buildup, which could ignite if not removed periodically (usually every 1-2 years, depending on the amount of wood burned inside the fireplace).
Inspect Trees & Shrubs For Damage:
Regular inspections of your trees and shrubs are essential for healthy landscaping. Keep an eye out for wilting leaves or discolored bark on the trees, as these may be signs of disease. Additionally, pests such as aphids and mites can cause damage to lesser plants like shrubbery, so proper insecticide treatment is advised if necessary. Furthermore, a good pruning exercise every now and then helps keep them in shape while reducing the risk associated with potential branch breaking when strong winds or severe weather hit!
Power Wash Siding & Deck Areas:
Pressure wash siding with a mild detergent solution to remove dirt buildups that may have accumulated over the winter months. Then rinse off suds afterward using a “low pressure” setting on the washer wand attachment. The same goes for decks where grime often collects between boards due to seasonal changes in temperature causing rainwater runoff across walking surfaces when snow melts away too quickly during spring thaw periods (similarly applies to patios, too!).
Check HVAC Systems & Change Filters As Needed:
As temperatures fluctuate throughout the year, it’s important to regularly inspect and maintain your HVAC system for optimal performance. Change air filters roughly every three months and have a professional technician take care of an annual inspection for both heating & cooling systems. Remember to check the insulation on the ductwork as well! Keeping up with these small steps can help ensure that all components are functioning together properly so you’ll enjoy greater energy efficiency when the hotter weather hits each summer season.
Check Exterior Doors & Windows For Proper Sealing:
Keeping your home’s exterior doors and windows properly sealed is essential for energy conservation – not to mention keeping unwanted bugs and critters away! Regularly inspect seals along door frames to ensure a tight closure. Using sealants can also help prevent air leakage, protecting the environment from unnecessary waste and your household from unwelcome visitors.
Start Checking Off That To-Do List!
Springtime brings warmer weather and longer days, making outdoor activities much more enjoyable! But before you start enjoying those activities, taking care of some necessary maintenance tasks first is important! With this checklist, you can make sure that everything gets taken care of so you can enjoy the summer months with peace of mind knowing your home is in top shape – now that’s something worth getting excited about! Good luck!
