For many, the past few months have been spent bundling up under winter jackets, maneuvering hazardous snowy roads, and striving to keep driveways and sidewalks free of snow.
Well, at least in the beginning, as we’ve had a fairly mild winter. (You’d almost think it was April given the temperatures lately!)
So now that spring has sprung early, it couldn’t hurt to review some home maintenance tips for spring and start preparing for summer as well, right?
First thing’s first: Now that most of the snow has melted, it’s time to simply perform a check of the exterior of your home. Many people do not even see large portions of their home’s exterior during the winter months and are often surprised to see some of the following:
- Shingle damage
- Buckled cement or disheveled brick areas on patios
- Loose gutters or missing downspouts
- Damage to porch components
It’s important to repair or replace any parts of the gutter system and the roof in order to be fully prepared for spring rains. And damaged areas on patio floors are also a safety hazard. Any unstable areas of porches can also be a safety hazard if a stair or railing is loose.
Now is also a good time to check whether or not outdoor water faucets are working properly as well. In addition, note standing areas of water and whether those areas could be a problem for the foundation of your home. If so, consider ways to revamp landscaping in such a manner as to drain the water naturally away from the foundation, or consult a foundation expert if you suspect the standing water could be an even bigger issue.
Spring is also a good time to prepare for summer. For those with air conditioning units, scheduling an annual maintenance check or AC tune-up or is best done before summer hits with uncomfortably high temperatures. Many people delay these maintenance checks only to find out during the first heat wave of the season their cooling system is not working properly.
That said, if you didn’t do annual maintenance on your furnace in the fall or during the winter, now is also a great time to have that looked at as well. After running for thousands of cycles heating your home this winter, parts can wear out and dirt can build up. Many people think they are safe waiting until next season, but a check in the spring can address any issues before they become major repairs. Also, the furnace fan will continue to work all summer long as it moves air for your AC system.
With a little forethought and attentive maintenance, you and your family will be able to safely enjoy a beautiful spring and summer, in your home, on your patio or porch, and in your yard. And whether you do HVAC maintenance in the spring or in the fall, make sure to have your system inspected at least once per year to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. This will minimize costly repairs and extend the overall life of the system, keeping your family comfortable and saving you money.
