The sun is out, and the warm weather is upon us. To get your home ready for Spring, make the following a part of your regular Spring home maintenance routine.
- Consult your hot water tank owner’s manual and carefully test the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it is not stuck.
- Check, clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season. Ventilation systems should be checked every two months.
- Shut down, drain and clean furnace humidifier, and close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning.
- Switch on power to the air conditioning and check your system; have it serviced every two or three years.
- Clean or replace air-conditioning filter.
- Check dehumidifier and drain and clean if needed.
- Turn OFF gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible.
- Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms, and replace batteries.
- Clean windows, screens and hardware, and replace storm windows if needed.
- Open valve to outside hose connection after all danger of frost has passed.
- Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture, and repair as required.
- Ensure sump pump is operating properly and ensure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation.
- Relevel any exterior steps or decks that moved as a result of frost or settling.
- Check for and seal off any holes in exterior cladding that could be an entry point for small pests.
- Check eavestroughs and downspouts for loose joints and secure attachment to your home, clear any obstructions, and ensure water flows away from your foundation.
- Clear all drainage ditches and culverts of debris.
- Repair and paint fences as necessary — allow wood fences to dry adequately before tackling this task.
- Undertake spring landscape maintenance and, if necessary, fertilize young trees.
Preventive maintenance this spring will keep everyone happy this summer. Happy Spring cleaning and maintaining.
