Melting snow may draw your eye to noticeable roof imperfections or reveal a sorely overused HVAC system. If you’re noticing lower efficiency, higher costs, or plumbing problems, it’s time to grab that spring home maintenance checklist.
Exterior Home Maintenance: 5 Spring Home Maintenance Tips
Are you getting ready for the beautiful weather that comes with springtime? It’s time to get your home ready for it, too. Here are five exterior maintenance tasks to start with.
1. Check the Gutters
Assess your gutters’ flow rate by filling them with water. Overflow indicates a clog that needs to be flushed.
Examine the gutters and downspouts for cracks or holes. These may worsen without repairs.
2. Check the Roof
Has a gutter overflow left stagnant water on your rooftop? Fallen tree limbs and ice formation also cause issues. You may notice the following concerns as you’re checking off your spring maintenance checklist:
- Fungal growth on the roof or walls
- Rotting wood
- Curling shingles
- Cracks and roof leaks
- Concave roof sections
3. Check Your Siding and Paint
Anything from rain and hail to intense UV rays causes paint to fade, chip, and peel. Mortar deteriorates in stone and brick houses. Patch exterior cracks, and then repaint. Repair rot and other siding damages as well.
4. Check Windows and Screens
Balanced natural lighting indoors can reduce energy bills. However, layers of filth on your windows block optimal sunlight. Clean your windows inside and out, and replace torn screens as part of your spring home maintenance checklist.
5. Check the Yard
Your spring garden is around the corner. Trim dying and diseased limbs from trees and shrubs, shaping them into aesthetically pleasing yard features for healthier growth.
Also, remember the following tasks:
- Mow your lawn to reduce pest populations
- Use fertilizer to keep the landscaping flourishing
- Inspect and repair irrigation systems for repair needs after winter’s freeze risk
Finally, remove debris from your patios and decks, and organize the areas for spring activities.
Interior Home Maintenance
Now that you’re done outside, move to the interior items of your spring home maintenance checklist.
1. Check the Plumbing
Frozen pipes cause cracks, leaks, water damage, and stains. Experts use water meters, pressure tests, and leaky appliances to uncover and repair issues in the summer.
2. Check Your Water Heater
Professionals will use a garden hose to flush out your water heater. This process removes sediment which reduces efficiency.
3. Check the Cooling System
If you have air conditioners, have a professional check the coils, lubricate moving parts, and tighten components. Or they might need to replace the unit altogether before summer arrives.
4. Check Doors and Windows
There’s no point in running your air conditioning if cool air escapes outside. Weatherstrip your doors and windows, sealing all possible exit points.
5. Check Chimneys and Fireplaces
How clean are your chimneys and fireplaces? For better air quality, they should be spotless.
6. Check Ceiling fans
Are your ceiling fans ready for spring? Test and clean them—don’t forget the grime on the blades!
Safety Checks You Shouldn’t Leave off of Your Spring Maintenance Checklist
Our spring home maintenance tips include staying safe by testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change the batteries every few months, and have a fire extinguisher on hand.
You can also reduce fire hazards by checking your electrical system. Are there loose or frayed wires to replace or old outlets? When you call a professional electrician, have them clean dryer vents since lint accumulation and high heat can cause fires.
Lastly, clean and inspect extractor fans. Clean fans reduce kitchen or bathroom humidity and eradicate odors.
Spring Home Tips for Better Energy Efficiency
Here are a few more spring maintenance tips that could come in handy this season.
- Replace air filters: Obstructions to airflow cause your HVAC system to work harder for longer. Replacing heating and cooling unit air filters boosts energy efficiency.
- Insulate windows, doors, and the attic: Entry points let air in and out. Sealing them means your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to keep powering on, which shortens its lifespan.
- Upgrade lighting: Switching to energy-efficient lighting is another of our spring home tips. LEDs are cheaper and last longer while using less electricity.
Budgeting for Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Creating a detailed budget is one of our biggest spring maintenance tips for homeowners. Pace yourself with your spring home maintenance checklist tasks and time by budgeting them accordingly.
Determine how much routine maintenance costs and decide which repairs are more pressing. Repairing damaged roof shingles, for example, is more important than repainting your kitchen.
You’ll also want to avoid DIY projects for certain jobs. Replacing a filter is risk-free; plumbing and electrical work isn’t. Allocate enough money for professional service.
Spring Tips for Homeowners: Key Takeaways
From exterior roofing and siding maintenance to interior plumbing and HVAC checks, regular upkeep is crucial for a functioning home. At Hutchinson, we provide same-day and emergency plumbing, heating, and cooling services. Call 1-856-420-6806 if something fails your checklist inspection or if you want more detailed spring home maintenance checklists.