While deep cleaning your home and getting rid of dirt and dust is important, you shouldn’t forget to take care of heavy-duty home maintenance tasks as well.
Seasonal home maintenance is key to keeping your property in good shape and avoiding things like moisture damage that may have occurred during the winter months. As you cross items off your summer maintenance checklist this year, be sure to add these 4 key tasks that may not have crossed your mind.
1. Perform an annual inspection
Taking the time to perform an annual inspection of your home not only can save you time and money, but also help you avoid safety issues down the road. Take this opportunity to ensure that all of your safety devices (smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.) are in good working order.
Check for mold or moisture buildup that may have occurred as a result of winter and spring interior humidity, being sure to pay close attention to attics and basements. Examining all of your appliances, plus their correlating hoses and electrical wires, will guarantee your safety and extend the life of your appliances. Walk around the exterior of your house to check for hazards like loose railings, debris, cracks and holes in the foundation, as well as roof issues.
2. Check Your exterior
Power washing is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to give the exterior of your home a quick refresh. Blast off any residual grime that may have built up during those spring showers, but be sure to do this before the very hot months make extra water use irresponsible. Keep an eye out for any chips or cracks in the exterior paint because exposed wood and siding can be subject to rot. If necessary, protect areas with a fresh coat of paint.
Rain and snow can lead to branches, leaves, and other debris clogging foundation vents, gutters, and downspouts. Clogs and leaks in your gutter system can mean expensive damage to the roof or even the interior of your home. Check your gutters and downspouts for any accumulated gunk that might cause an issue with proper drainage. If you do come across a clog in your gutters, try removing the debris or using a garden hose to force out any built-up material. If the debris is too difficult to remove on your own, consider hiring a professional.
3. Spruce up your outdoor living spaces
Tackle landscaping tasks to boost your curb appeal. This can include planting drought-resistant plants, covering gardens with mulch to protect roots from the hot sun, and selecting summer-ready flowers like sunflowers and lavender. Make sure branches and shrubs are trimmed away from your roofing and siding to prevent moisture damage and provide pest control.
Mowing and weeding your grass now will help you stay on top of any sudden growth that takes place when the weather gets warmer. Planting annual perennials that love the summer heat is a low-maintenance way to add a pop of color to your yard and increase your property’s curb appeal.
4. Bring in the experts for your HVAC
Your home’s heating and cooling system should be inspected, serviced, and cleaned at least once a year, and it makes sense to do so when the temperatures will be changing. This is a good time to call in the professionals for an annual once-over. Your heating system likely worked hard all winter, and as you switch to your cooling system, regular maintenance can extend the life of your furnace and postpone expensive replacements.
Change the air filters regularly to prevent major HVAC issues. If your home has foundation vents, be sure to clean them by hand or with a shop vacuum. Foundation vents usually have screens that become a catch-all for leaves, twigs, and assorted debris.