As warm weather approaches, 80% of Americans plan to tackle spring cleaning tasks, according a survey by The American Cleaning Institute. As you consider decluttering and organizing the forgotten corners of your attic or basement, there are also some simple home maintenance tasks that experts say should also be prioritized to get your home ready for the changing season.
Clean Gutters
Gutters easily become clogged with leaves and debris from the fall and winter. You don’t want the overfull gutters to sag or pull away from your house. An easy way to clean out your gutters is to use a hose. Attach a spray nozzle to your garden hose and flush out the gutter with the water. Be careful not to spray underneath roof shingles.
Trim Broken Tree Limbs
Winter storms can leave a lot of broken branches. Begin by checking your trees and large shrubs for any damage. While you can prune smaller branches yourself, you may need an arborist for any significant damage. Make sure to keep trees and bushes trimmed away from the house to prevent damage to siding, windows, or the roof, according to Mr. Handyman.
Inspect all Hoses and Attachments
Perform a visual inspection of your garden hoses. Look for any cracks or loose fittings. If any hoses are damaged or overly worn, consider replacing them. It’s common for the cold weather to damage hoses, and you don’t want to waste water as the weather heats up.
Prep Your Garden
It’s time to remove any dead leaves or stalks on the ground. Many plants could benefit from trimming before they start to bloom. Look up any specific type of plant to get a full guide for which season and trimming directions. Another step to get your gardens ready is to weed and put down mulch or compost in the beds. Preparing the soil now will help plants flourish.
Check your HVAC System
With warmer temps coming, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioning system is ready to go. Look at your outdoor unit and remove any leaves or debris. Change your air filter for clean and consistent airflow. If the weather is warm enough, turn on your A/C and test the unit. If there are any problems or unusual noises, call a professional. It’s better to address issues now than wait until you need emergency service.
Inspect your Water Heater
“Unexpected problems with your water heater never happen at a good time,” says Andrew Herrig from Emergency Plumber Las Vegas. He recommends that you should have a licensed plumber inspect your water heater annually, but you can prevent potential unknown problems with a visual inspection yourself. “Check for any leaks and make sure there is no water on the floor around the water heater. Check the temperature is heating properly and not exceeding 120 degrees. If there are any unusual noises or leaks, call a professional”, he says.
Assess Door and Window Seals
Look at all your windows and exterior doors for any openings. By using your hand, you can feel any air leaks around the edges and corners. You want to look for any gaps or cracks around the frame. You can replace any weatherstripping or seals to make sure your windows and doors are airtight.
Check Smoke Detectors
You want the life-saving detectors in your house ready for any emergency. Replacing the batteries annually and testing your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is good exercise for your household safety.
Clean Out your Dryer Vent
Is your outside vent clogged with lint? According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers cause almost 16,000 house fires annually. While you may think of cleaning out the lint trap in your dryer after every use, it’s very common to forget the outside vent. You can disconnect your dryer and vacuum out the vent. Remove the outside vent to collect any lint that has been collected to prevent a fire hazard.
Wash Windows
Let in more natural light by cleaning your windows. This simple chore has a big impact on your interior space. You’ll want to remove all the screens. With a garden hose, you can rinse all your windows before scrubbing them with soapy water. Use a squeegee or a microfiber cloth to dry the window. To clean the screens, gently scrub the surface and then use the hose to rinse them off. Let the screens air dry before reattaching them to the window.
Add these 10 tasks to your list and take them one by one. You want the essential items in your house taken care of for peace of mind. If you start early, you can be sure to enjoy the spring season knowing that everything is in tip-top shape!