With the sun going down a little later each day and temperatures inching upward, spring cleaning season is upon us.
While you’re freshening things up around the house, you’ll also want to repair any damage Old Man Winter left behind as you prepare for the dog days of summer ahead. Spring is a great time for small improvements that can make a big difference in terms of efficiency and indoor air quality.
There are many things to inspect both inside and out. Some items will be a quick fix, while others may require professional repair services. To help you out, we’ve put together a checklist of spring home maintenance jobs to tackle this season. Our list includes both outdoor and indoor tasks for your home.
Outdoor Spring Maintenance
Harsh winter weather can do significant damage to your home’s exterior. On top of that, there are many routine maintenance tasks you may have put off when it was too cold to go outside.
- Roof: First off, make sure no shingles are missing or cracked. Check for signs of leaks, mold, moss or other debris.
- Chimney: Things to look for include efflorescence, missing joints or cracks. Consider sealing your chimney to protect against water damage.
- Gutters and downspouts: Check for sagging, cracks and other damage. Clear out leaves and other debris that might have been left over from winter storms.
- Exterior walls: Check wood siding for cracks or other openings where pests could enter. Other damage might include peeling or chipping paint, rotting, warping or discoloration. You’ll also want to check wooden decks for signs of damage.
- Windows and doors: Fix or replace broken windows and doors to maintain energy efficiency. Check caulking and weather stripping and repair as needed. Replace window screens with holes in them.
- Crawl spaces: Open your crawl space vents when overnight temperatures are consistently above freezing. Consider encapsulating your crawl space to help with energy efficiency and moisture control.
- Cracks: Freeze-thaw cycles during the winter can cause cracks to form in your foundation, masonry, walkways, driveways and stairs. Fill and apply sealer for smaller cracks. Contact a pro to fix larger ones.
- Cleaning: Wash or wipe down outdoor furniture, and clean off any dust that may have accumulated on your outdoor grill before cooking on it.
Indoor Spring Maintenance
Freshen things up on the inside by checking for signs of moisture intrusion, mold and pests. You’ll also breathe a little easier after a thorough dusting and cleaning.
- Attic: Check for signs of leaks, mold, insects and other pests.
- HVAC: Replace your air conditioner filter if you haven’t done so in a few months. This is an easy step to forget, but has big benefits in terms of energy efficiency.
- Leaks: This is an important step to reduce the risk of water damage. Check for leaky faucets, and make sure pipe and hose connections are properly sealed under the sink; Inspect washing machine hoses for leaks, cracks or dampness and look for signs of corrosion or leaks from your water heater.
- Basements and crawl spaces: Check for signs of dampness or pest activity, and inspect concrete walls for cracks. If you have a sump pump, make sure it is operating properly.
- Dryer vents: Disconnect the vent from behind the dryer to remove the lint with a dryer brush. Remove lint from the outside vent line as needed.
- Test alarms: Check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector and replace batteries if necessary.
- General cleaning: Dust hard surfaces like cabinets, ceiling fans, and window casings. Vacuum upholstered furniture and launder fabric curtains. Other items to clean include showerheads, faucets, baseboards, walls and windows.
Investing in regular maintenance means a healthier, more efficient home environment. If you need service or repairs to your HVAC system, call your friends at Lorenz Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning at 417-863-1122 or contact us online today.
