Hello Spring! We’ve been waiting for you!
Blooming flowers, warmer weather, and your spring cleaning has begun.
We are certain you follow the rule of thumb twice a year when the time changes: change the smoke alarm batteries and schedule routine maintenance on the HVAC unit. Both of these keep our families safe.
As you open the windows and smell the fresh air wafting in, you’re inspired to get your To-Do List – Done! In addition to your deep cleaning and organizing, work your way through the Spring Maintenance Checklist to make sure your home is ready for the change in seasons.
EXPORT MAINTENANCE
- Check the Roof – If you are comfortable on a ladder, inspect your roof from up high. If not, use binoculars. Look for damaged or missing shingles and signs of rusting, cracking, or leaking. If you find issues, call a professional to assess the damage.
- Clean Out the Gutters – Clear all leaves and debris out of the gutters and downspouts. If they’re sagging, reattach the gutters, or replace them with new hardware. Use caulking to seal holes and prevent leaking. Make sure downspouts face away from the foundation of your home for proper draining.
- Inspect the Concrete – Take a walk around your property to look for cracks in the driveway, walkways, or pool deck. You can fill cracks with a concrete filler or silicone caulk, but you may want to replace it entirely if the concrete is severely damaged.
- Check the Outside Faucets – Inspect hose faucets for freeze damage by turning on the water and placing a finger over the opening. If that stops the water flow, the pipe may be damaged. Call a professional to inspect your pipes and determine if they need replacing.
- Give the Deck Some Attention – Check the deck for signs of water stains, discoloration, and warping. Look for rusty or loose nails, and make sure the railings and stairs are safely secured. Replace rotting or lifting boards.
- Repair and Reseal Woodwork – In addition to the deck, you’ll also want to focus on wooden fences, railings and trellises if you have them. It’s essential to give these wood structures some TLC as they are prone to rot and decay, so it’s good to learn how to maintain a wood fence.
- Run the Sprinklers – Turn your sprinklers on to check if the system is still working correctly. Look for leaks or broken sprinkler heads. Adjust them, so they spray the grass rather than the house, sidewalks, or porches.
- Inspect Windows and Doors – Check for cracks or holes and repair as necessary. Use a screen repair kit to fix holes or tears that bugs can sneak through.
- Spruce Up the Landscaping – Clear your landscaping of debris, trim overgrowth, and plan fresh additions. HGTV recommended using compacted soil in low areas of your yard, as spring rains can cause flooding and foundation damage.
INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
- Open the Windows – With the welcoming warmth of fresh spring breezes, you might be inclined to do this regardless. Opening the windows is also an effective way to naturally aerate your home and may improve air quality. Take this opportunity to wipe down the window sills’ interior as they have most likely collected dust, dirt, and mold over the winter months.
- Inspect the Basement and Attic – Check the walls and floors for water stains, mold and leaks. Remove unwanted moisture that can lead to mold issues or serious water damage.
- Perform Routine Home Safety Checks – Change the batteries in smoke detectors, make sure fire extinguishers are still intact with the needle in the green zone and check that exhaust fans are working correctly. Replace anything that isn’t working immediately.
- Have Your Air Conditioner (HVAC System) Serviced – The furnace worked overtime hard these last few months, and with a long hot summer ahead, now is the time to make sure the so make sure the air filter, all coils, and duct system are clean. All sticks and leaves are removed from the outdoor unit. All controls and electric connections are secure and in good working order, and the refrigerant charge is correct to assure proper operation. Call a licensed professional HVAC technician. Many companies offer preseason tune-up specials to help get your maintenance done before the summer rush. Many homeowners find having a HVAC Service Agreement that includes pre-paid regular, routine maintenance is a great way to assure the system is reliable and working at peak performance and efficiency.
- Consider Appliance Upgrades – Spring is the perfect time to revisit your appliance replacement needs. If it’s time for an upgrade, consider energy-efficient options to help reduce waste and lower your bills. Refer to the Department of Energy for guides to the best home energy improvements.
Most homeowners find the HVAC system to be the highest energy-consuming appliance in the home. If you have an inefficient, unreliable system, you are considering upgrading. Spring is a perfect time. Many manufacturers offer incentives and rebates to help offset the expenses. Contact Clarksville Heating & Air today to schedule your maintenance and safety check.
