After a long and cold winter, spring is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your home maintenance. Home repairs are great for fixing up after winter and even improving property value. The shift in temperature and moisture levels will begin to take their toll on your property, which is why every homeowner should take a look at these spring maintenance tips to save on energy, protect their belongings, and create a more comfortable living environment.
Start from Top to Bottom
Depending on the location of your home, the roof is almost always going to be the most important component when it comes to maintenance and repairs. No matter how careful you may be when insulating or painting, a single leak could result in thousands of dollars in damage after the first storm. Homeowners should carefully inspect the shingles of their roof for any major cracks or bending. It is also recommended that residents inspect the area around the foundation of the home for any piles of roofing granules that could indicate unseen damage. Cracks should be handled professionally since temporary fixes sometimes cause more damage.
Be Thorough with Your AC
Preparing your AC is another vital portion of home maintenance as the weather begins to warm up. This begins with removing your air conditioner cover and inspecting the surrounding area for debris that should be thrown away, plants that must be pruned, or signs of a pest infestation. As a general rule, most homeowners will want to call in a professional for basic service and maintenance. These affordable services will help keep energy costs down, and will increase the lifespan of the AC unit by avoiding major breakdowns.
Freshen Up the Air
Every resident should become familiar with some simple methods they can use to control the air quality and temperature in their home without the HVAC system. This includes closing off curtains when windows are directly exposed to the sun, and opening up windows to promote circulation. Turn on fans and make sure they are dusted and change direction for summer. Another simple method for improving the air quality is to bring in some spring plants to filter out allergens and contaminants. Rubber plants, spider plants, English ivy, and snake plants, are all great options for purifying musty old air.
Prepare the Appliances
Hotter weather means that all electronic appliances will undergo more stress. Refrigerators are especially susceptible to this problem, and these devices should be cleaned and serviced at least once a year. The basic maintenance requires nothing more than inspecting filters, cleaning filters if needed, and wiping down the condensing coils. A vacuum can be used to clean out any traps for refrigerators, dryers, or other appliances with intake and exhaust ports. Think about doing this for all the appliances that accrue a lot of dust during winter as it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Inspect Weatherproofing Materials
With a shift in the temperature and moisture levels, it is important to check all weather-stripping and caulking. Every family should have a few bottles of clear caulking and a roll of weather-stripping on-hand to patch up any major holes or drafts. This simple task provides a wide variety of benefits including better energy efficiency, a smaller chance of water damage, and protection from any unwanted pests.
If you have begun to notice that spring has sprung and you are still not prepared for summer, then start with these few basic maintenance steps to save yourself time and money in the coming months.
