You’ve all heard of spring cleaning, but we’re pushing for spring home maintenance to become a thing! Why? Well, you can skip cleaning without consequence, but home maintenance is just as much about maintaining the value of your home as it is about maintaining comfortable living conditions. Protect the value of your home this spring and avoid any unwanted expenses by completing this spring home maintenance checklist.
Indoor Maintenance
1. Remove Drain Buildup
Use a natural drain cleaner, like baking soda and vinegar, to remove build up in your pipes. Natural drain cleaners are effective at breaking down grease, soap scum, and other common clog-causing substances and are also environmentally friendly, non-corrosive, and safer than commercial cleaners.
2. Switch Your Ceiling Fan to Blow in the Other Direction
Switching the direction of your ceiling fan will help you save money on energy costs. In the hot summer months your fan should be set to counterclockwise to create a cooling down draft, while in the winter it should be clockwise to create an updraft that will circulate warm air around the room. If you have a regular fan, look for the reversing fan switch on the fan body or light fixture. Smart fans or remote controlled fans can be switched with a press of a button.
3. Fix Chipped Paint
If you have paint that matches your walls, painting over chips is a project that you can do annually. It’s easy for paint to get nicked from time to time, especially if you have kids or dogs. Use blue tape to mark any chips that you find, and then paint over them with a small brush.
Outdoor Maintenance
1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts help channel rainwater away from your home’s foundation and prevent damage to its structure. Spring is a good time to remove any twigs, leaves, and other debris to keep them from clogging. Make sure you’re practicing ladder safety while completing this task, including placing the ladder on a flat, stable surface, wearing proper footwear, and using the correct size so that you never have to step on the very top rung.
2. Paint or Seal Wooden Outdoor Surfaces
When exposed to moisture, wood becomes susceptible to mold and rot. Sealing or painting any outdoor wood will help ensure it stays looking beautiful for years to come. Check out this article about wood sealers for an in-depth description of what they are, how to select one, and how to apply it correctly.
3. Get Your Pool Ready if You Have One
In addition to removing debris and vacuuming, balancing the chemicals, and checking the water level of your pool, you should also inspect the water circulation and filtration systems. Check the circulation system parts including the pump motor, drains, filter, and skimmer, monitoring the pressure gauge to make sure there are no issues. Clean or replace the pool’s filter if it is dirty.
Appliance Maintenance
1. Prepare Your A/C Unit for Summer
It’s a good idea to get a professional to check your A/C unit ahead of the summertime. If your unit has problems in the hottest months it will definitely get uncomfortable and can also be a safety hazard. Having it checked in early spring is a safe bet to make sure you stay cool.
2. Replace Your Air Filter
Your air filter should be replaced every 2-3 months, so the start of a new season is the perfect time to get it done. If you have a pet you should change your air filter every 2 months, and otherwise you can change it every 3.
3. Sharpen Your Garbage Disposal Blades
Did you know that the easiest way to sharpen your garbage disposal blades is to put some ice down the drain and run it? This is a quick, easy task to add to your spring maintenance list.
Straight Line Construction: Home Experts You Can Trust
With over a decade of experience completing home remodels ranging from complete renovations to small upgrades, we’ve learned a thing or two about home maintenance. That being said, our real expertise lies in helping you create your dream home. Whether you’re in need of DIY materials or a team of design consultants and contractors, we’re here to help. Contact us today or visit one one of our showrooms in Gainesville or Ocala to find the assistance you need.