Summary
Spring is a great time to do some much-needed maintenance work that can save costs and avoid serious damages and repairs in the future. Common maintenance issues that homeowners may face include inspecting the AC unit, cleaning the gutters, replacing air filters, checking the garage door, inspecting the chimney, and examining the siding for cracks. To avoid costly repairs, it’s best to address these problems when they arise and undertake preventative measures. With just a little time and attention to detail, homeowners can prepare their homes for spring and save money in maintenance costs.
By Maria Brendel
Amazing Architecture
Spring is a special time of the year when everything comes to life. It is also an ideal occasion to shake off the winter rust and do some much-needed work around the house. Consistently taking care of your home is a much cheaper alternative than dealing with costly repairs. Unfortunately, not every spring maintenance session is entirely issue-free.
In this article, we list the most common spring maintenance problems you might encounter. Learning about them beforehand can save you a lot of time and effort.
Your AC Needs a Check-Up
As soon as the temperatures start creeping up, it’s time to pay attention to your AC unit. Doing so will prevent you from facing problems in the future. And there is no better way to check up on your AC than to call in Heating & Cooling Services.
Even though spring is not synonymous with hot summer temperatures, it’s not a bad idea to get your AC checked right away. Your AC might not be working at its best, or maybe it is already on its last legs, without you even knowing it.
Spring is also the perfect time to consider installing an air purifier. An air purifier will not only eliminate the unwanted odors from your home, but it will also purify the indoor air. Studies have shown that air purifiers help you sleep better and stay healthy.
There are many possible problems your AC can face, and they can differ from one home to another. The only way to find out what needs to be fixed is to get a professional to take a look at your AC unit.
A professional AC technician will perform a thorough inspection of your system and make sure that everything is working as planned. If you feel that your AC needs some repairs, such as changing the belts on the compressor, installing a new condenser, or replacing the blower motor, it’s best to let a professional handle the job rather than risk causing further damage from poor maintenance or neglect.
Check Your Garage Door
As experts from A1 Garage say, spring is the perfect time for garage door inspection, as well as regular maintenance tasks – especially since there are several elements that you wouldn’t even notice need fixing until it’s too late. Another thing is rust formation, which often makes opening and closing of the garage door difficult – why deal with a problem that can be prevented in the first place?
Replace Your Air Filters
We all know that changing the air filters regularly can improve the quality of air in your home. Regularly replacing them can also help you save money on utilities. During the spring season, changing your air filters is more important than ever.
Various airborne particles and pollen can pollute the indoor air in your home. As the spring season advances, the air quality gets worse and worse. If you have young pets or small children in the home, their immune systems are not fully developed yet and they are more susceptible to illness than adults. It is not surprising then that spring brings with it an increase in allergy symptoms and respiratory problems.
The best way to take care of your family and your health is to change your air filters regularly. Consider filters with a high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating.
Depending on the number of people in your household and the amount of dust attracted by your indoor activities, you should change your filter every 3-5 months. If you are running an AC unit, you should change your filters more frequently.
Inspect Your Chimney and Create a Fire Safety Plan
This one is especially important for homeowners with wood-burning fireplaces.
In addition to checking up on your wood-burning fireplace, make sure that you have a fire safety plan ready in case something happens. In the plan, be sure to include fire escape routes and locating an emergency water supply and phone numbers of people that can help you out in case of an emergency.
Your Gutters Are Probably Full of Grass Clippings and Leaves
It’s important to keep your gutters clean so that the water flowing through them does not build up and cause your gutters to overflow. If you don’t want the water to spill over your porch or flood your yard, you should spend some time taking care of your gutters.
Also, when the water is not allowed to flow and remains stagnant, this can cause bacteria to thrive and build. Water, bacteria and mold in your gutter is only a matter of time before they start to affect the walls and roof of your home. Keeping your gutters free of debris so the water can flow freely is the best way to avoid these potential problems down the road.
Also, a full gutter represents a serious fire hazard. Dead leaves and other debris that are left to cook in the sun will invariably catch fire if left unattended. Taking care of your gutters is easy and most homeowners can take care of their own gutter. It is recommended to clear your gutters once a year. During the spring season is best since that’s when your gutters are most likely to accumulate debris. But in early fall when the leaves fall from the trees, it’s also a good time to clean your gutters.
Having a clean and safe gutter system is also important for your home’s curb appeal. A clean and neat exterior is always something that will make visitors admire your home. It is also worth noting that a clean gutter system will extend the lifespan of your home. You will not have to worry about foundation problems or clogged sewer lines growing as a result of a filthy gutter system.
Check Your Siding for Weeping Joints and Cracks
Weeping joints are cracks in the wall that allow moisture to get into your home. They are one of the most common causes of mold, which can be very problematic and lead to severe structural damage in the long run. If you want to prevent such problems, it’s a good idea to check the exterior siding of your home for any leaks or cracks.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make sure your home is ready for the spring. In fact, with just a little time and some attention to detail, you will end up saving money in utilities and costly repairs in the long run.
Do some simple home maintenance. Your home will be ready for spring, and your mind will be at ease to enjoy the good season all the more.
The Ultimate Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
(Courtesy HGTV)
Get the Ultimate Spring Home Maintenance Checklist at https://www.hgtv.com/content/dam/documents/checklist.pdf