Five Things That Homeowners Forget About In Their Spring Maintenance
Now that you’ve completed most of your interior spring cleaning and have prepared the exterior of your home for April’s showers, there are just a few more spring maintenance items left for your beautiful home. There are many homeowners out there that clean the insides, inspect the outsides, and forget about these five areas of your home that need to be maintained every spring.
Regular home maintenance is the best way to keep your house in the best condition possible, which will save you time and money down the road. Your house is your largest investment, especially considering the fact that it houses you and your family, so put the time and energy into maintaining it throughout the year.
Here is the rest of the spring maintenance to keep your home in tip-top shape.
Your Air Conditioner
Spring is the best time to check out your air conditioner before the hot weather has you desperately turning it on.
Inspect the outside of the unit for any debris, damage, or animal nests. If you notice damage, make sure to call a professional to deal with it. Disconnect the unit and give it a good (but gentle) hose-down to make sure that there are no blockages or dirt build-up. Try to avoid spraying the fan motor. Turn the unit on once everything is done to make sure it’s running properly.
When you’ve turned the A/C on, stand outside and listen. If you hear any weird noises once the unit gets going it might be time to call a professional.
If your furnace system has a humidifier installed, then you should make sure to turn this function off when you’ve turned the air conditioning on. If you forget to turn the humidifier off, it has the potential of causing a “freeze-up” in the cooling system. How can you tell if this has happened to you? There will be condensation on the line that runs from the outside unit to the inside ductwork. If you see this, simply turn off the air conditioning unit for at least two hours before turning it back on again. This time, make sure that you’ve turned off the humidifier before turning the air conditioning back on.
If you’re finding that the airflow in your home is lacking when you turn on the A/C then there are several things that you can check.
The first thing you’ll want to do is check the vents and registers to make sure that nothing is blocking them.
Second, turn on the ceiling fans. Make sure that your blades are rotating in a counterclockwise direction, which will help to circulate the cool air better.
Third, check to see if your ducts need a good cleaning. While there are plenty of duct cleaning scams out there, that doesn’t mean that cleaning your ducts is a bad idea. Your ducts can have a few cracks and leaks which attract dust, mould, and debris to build up, which can cause airflow issues.
Your Thermostat
Most homeowners don’t even know that they need to clean their thermostat every so often. When dirt builds up it can affect your thermostat’s calibration, which ultimately impedes its ability to operate properly. Cleaning your thermostat not only keeps it in good working condition for longer, but it can also reduce your monthly costs! If your thermostat is reading the temperatures incorrectly it might work harder to cool or heat your home.
Here’s how to clean your thermostat:
Remove the cover
Take a soft and gentle brush like a paintbrush and gently wipe
If needed, use compressed air to clean between the contact points and lever switches
Check to see if the batteries need replacing (and obviously replace them if they do need to be replaced)
Check for loose or corroded wires, and call an electrician if you do see any
Remember to never touch any of the interior parts of the thermostat with your fingers.
Your Lawn
Spring is when your lawn will get a good soaking from April’s showers. It’s a good idea to give it the best opportunity to thrive over the summer by preparing it in the spring.
Watering - In the late spring, when the rainfall dies down, make sure to water your lawn before the weather gets too hot. During these cooler temperatures, the water can get deep down to the roots, whereas in the hot summer the water can often evaporate before it can properly penetrate. When you do water, water in the morning or between 4 pm and 6 pm. Remember that your lawn needs around 2-3cms of water per week.
Lawn Mower - Before your lawn starts growing like crazy and needing to be mowed weekly, it’s a good idea to give your mower a little tune-up. Make sure everything is working properly. Change the oil, filter, and spark plug so that you’re starting your season fresh. Clean the undercarriage, removing any dirt or grass clippings. Remember that if you have a gas mower you should never tip it over to clean the undercarriage. Instead, lift it to one side to clean and then lift it to the other.
Rake - Remove all of the debris and dead foliage from your lawn. Your rake will also get rid of the dead grass.
Aerate - You only need to aerate your lawn every 2-3 years, so think back to when the last time was that you had it aerated. If it’s been at least 2-3 years then it’s time to have it aerated again.
Overseed - Overseeding your lawn is best when it’s done between mid-April to mid-May. A nice thick, overseeded lawn helps to crowd out weeds and makes your grass more resistant to insects and disease. Make sure that the seed you buy is good for the weather conditions where you live. Remember that seed needs direct sunlight, so don’t cover your seeded lawn.
Check Sump Pump
Spring is usually when we see the most amount of rainfall. Your sump pump will be working overtime to make sure that your basement doesn’t flood when the skies open up and pour out over the next couple of months. If your sump pump isn’t in good working order, you could be in for a very rude awakening and a very wet basement.
Take the time to check your sump pump for the following:
Debris - Make sure that there isn’t any debris near your sump pump that could be sucked up and get clogged, such as rocks, dead foliage, garbage, etc.
Weep hole - There is a small ⅛ inch hole that is between the pump and the check valve. Make sure it isn’t clogged with gunk. If it is, gently clean it out with a toothpick.
Float switch - Test out the float switch to make sure it’s working. You can pour water into the pump’s water collection and wait to make sure it turns on. If it doesn’t turn on and remove the water, then there is an issue there. You might need to replace the switch or call a local professional.
Check Valve - The check valve keeps water from flowing back into the water collection pit after the pump turns off. Make sure it’s working properly and that the internal flap can swing freely.
Check Attic, Basement And Crawl Space
Attics and crawl spaces are some of the most neglected areas of a house. It’s important to regularly check your attic, basement, and crawl space as most of the issues that arise in these spaces are preventable but can be costly if left unchecked.
Here’s what to check for:
Moisture - As the snow and ice melt and the spring rains start, it’s a good time to check to see if there are any leaks or water issues. Moisture/water can cause mould and mildew. If you notice moisture, it might be time to call a local professional.
Rodents and birds - Your basement, attic, and/or crawlspace is a warm haven for mice, rats, raccoons, squirrels, and birds to make nests and reproduce. They can destroy your insulation and wiring and can wreak havoc on your plastic plumbing.
Rotting Wood and Termites - Check your crawlspace for rotting wood, which will attract termites and other insects and impact the integrity of your home.
Insulation - If your insulation has fallen or shifted, you’re going to want to fix that sooner, rather than later.
That’s it! Don’t let spring maintenance overwhelm you! If you spread it out, you’ll find that it takes little time and effort. That little time and energy that you invest into maintaining your home will pay off big time in the long run.
