The Complete Springtime Home Maintenance Checklist
By Rachel Kopp

Spring is the time for cleaning, but it's also a fine time to do some basic maintenance around the home. Investing in annual maintenance will help you avoid problems and keep your home safe in the coming months. Add these items to your maintenance list, and make sure you take care of them every spring.

1. Air Filter

Your air filter should be changed monthly to maximize the efficiency level of your HVAC system and keep your house clean. Capturing particles of dirt, dust and allergens, keeping the air filter clean ensures that your system has ample airflow.

2. Inspect the Deck

The wood on your deck can start to rot over the long winter. Look for water stains where the deck meets the house, and replace any rotted timbers before they compromise the integrity of the structure. Inspect for moss and mold, and remove these harmful substances with a power washer.

3. Fire Extinguishers

Keep the extinguishers where they are easily reached without blocking doors, windows or furnishings. Every year, check the pressure gauge to ensure the extinguisher is at the proper pressure level. Make sure there is no damage to the extinguisher, and shake the extinguisher to keep the dry chemicals properly mixed and avoid settling.

4. Treat the Air Conditioner

Shut down power to your air conditioner and remove the lid from the unit. Use a shop vacuum to remove leaves, dirt and debris from inside the system, the coils and the fins on the shell. You can also rinse the interior of the unit with a water hose to keep it clean and improve efficiency.

5. Replace Weather Stripping

The best time to seal your windows and doors is in the spring when the weather is nice. You can leave the doors and windows open while you install the weather stripping. With the window closed, use a lit incense stick to see where drafts are. As you pinpoint drafty points, you can add more weather stripping or install fresh strips.

6. Clean Gutters

Clogged gutters will overflow, and the water can find its way behind siding and even into your basement. Protect your home and your roof by cleaning the gutters every spring. This is also a good time to make sure they are tightly attached to the roof and make other repairs to the drainage system.

7. Examine Garden Hoses

Check garden hoses for freeze damage. Inspect for cracks, tears and stiff areas that are too inflexible. Stretch the hose out into the yard, let the water fill it and look for active leaks. If the hose has any leaks, replace it in the spring so you won't have to rush out and buy one when the dry summer weather arrives.

8. Test Smoke Alarms

Push the test button for a few seconds to ensure that the siren will turn on. Next, test the response of the system to make sure the alarm will respond to smoke. Use a small spray can of smoke detector test aerosol and spray it into the unit to make sure the alarm will engage. It will take five to ten seconds to respond, so you may have to be patient. Shut the unit down afterwards by vacuuming out the residue with a shop vacuum.

9. Fix Cracked Pavement

Those tiny cracks that form in the concrete over the winter may not bother you, but they invite further damage. Weeds and grass can grow in the space and eventually damage the structure. Patch those little cracks to extend the life of your concrete.

10. Trim Trees

Broken limbs are weak and will come down in a storm. It's better to remove them before they can drain the tree and endanger your property. It's also wise to call a professional tree trimmer and have very full trees thinned out to avoid them being torn down in spring storms.

11. Roof Inspection

This is also the best time to inspect the roof for leaks. Look for damaged shingles that are ripped, torn or broken. Look around chimneys, headwalls, skylights and other openings to make sure the flashing around them is still intact.

Invest in spring maintenance to protect your home and avoid problems later in the year. It only takes a few minutes to perform this basic maintenance, and it will help you keep your home in good working order. It will also preserve the life of your appliances and protect your property from damage.

Rachel is a blogger for One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Charlotte, an HVAC company servicing the greater Charlotte, NC area. They specialize in heating and air conditioning repair in Charlotte for residential homes and commercial businesses.

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