Spring is in the air, and most homes could use some TLC after the effects of winter weather and to prepare for the warmer months ahead. Here’s a helpful spring home maintenance checklist to use for your own home, or to share with your clients:
- First, take time to conduct a careful inspection of your home’s interior and exterior. Inspect the yard for any winter storm impact, such as downed tree limbs or damaged shrubbery. Examine your home’s gutters and roof for signs of wear and tear, and clean any debris that has collected in gutters or eaves. Then, do a thorough walk through inside, looking closely for any signs of leaks or damp, musty odors. Check windows and doors to make sure they close tightly. Be sure to include the attic, basement, crawl spaces, closets, and storage rooms in your inspection.
- Seal any cracks, holes, or crevices found in your home’s structure, foundation, walls, floors, or masonry that could let pests or moisture in, or that could affect your home’s temperature control.
- If you’re planning to open the windows to enjoy the mild spring weather, repair any holes or tears in your window screens and check for proper fit first.
- Have your air conditioning system inspected and serviced before you turn it on for the season, and change the filters per manufacturer’s recommendations.
- If you have an automatic irrigation system, test it to see if it is working correctly across all zones. Have your lawn mower serviced and blades sharpened.
- Trim any overhanging branches away from your home’s roof and structure to help prevent wildlife and pest access. If you put down landscaping mulch in your garden this spring, keep it under two inches thick and about 12 inches away from your home’s structure and foundations. Mulch helps the ground retain moisture, which is great for plants but can be an attractive environment for termites and other pests.
- Check the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and change them if needed.
- Do some appliance maintenance. Clean your refrigerator coils (on the back or underneath) with a vacuum to help it operate more efficiently. Dump ice cubes down the disposal to freshen it. Clean the filters on your cooktop’s venting system. Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature and see if the settings need to be calibrated. Check the dryer vent to make sure it isn’t clogged, which can pose a fire hazard.
- Do a safety hazard check in storage rooms, garages, basements, and crawl spaces, looking for any chemicals or harmful substances that could be dangerous for children and pets. Make sure any such materials are tightly secured, stored out of reach, and preferably kept behind locked doors.
- Add HSASM Home Warranty coverage, which provides valuable budget protection from many of the unexpected breakdown expenses of covered components of home systems and appliances. HSA makes it simple to enroll and to request service. For more information about HSA Home Warranties, visit onlinehsa.com or call 1-800-367-1448.