Spring is here! Ready your home for the season with these 12 key maintenance tasks. From cleaning gutters to prepping lawn tools, this guide covers everything you need to keep your home safe, efficient, and looking great. Here’s a quick overview:
- Outside Tasks: Clear gutters, inspect the roof, trim trees, clean exterior surfaces.
- Inside Tasks: Replace air filters, fix windows/screens, check for water issues, test the sump pump.
- Yard & Equipment: Sharpen mower blades, refresh garden beds, clean vents, maintain tools.
- Eco-Friendly Tips: Use natural cleaners, compost yard waste, and seal energy leaks.
Stay ahead of costly repairs and enjoy a comfortable, well-maintained home. Let’s dive into the details!
Home Maintenance Checklist
Outside Home Tasks
After winter, it’s important to check your home’s exterior to prevent water damage and keep it looking great.
Clear Gutters and Drains
Winter storms can clog gutters with leaves and debris, leading to water damage. Clear out any debris from gutters and downspouts, and inspect for clogs or leaks. Look for loose or sagging sections, damaged fasteners, or gaps between the gutters and fascia boards. Make sure downspouts are directing water away from your home’s foundation. Once cleaned, flush the gutters with a garden hose to ensure water flows properly and to spot any leaks.
Check Roof Condition
Take a close look at your roof for missing shingles, damaged flashing, water stains, or any sagging areas. Use binoculars for a better view from the ground, and call a professional if you notice any problems.
Cut Back Trees
Trim back branches that are too close to your roof, siding, or windows. Remove any dead or weak limbs that could cause damage during storms. This simple step can help protect your home and improve its appearance.
Clean Exterior Surfaces
Cleaning the outside of your home can make a big difference. Here’s how to handle different materials:
- Vinyl siding: Use a soft brush and a mild cleaner. Avoid high-pressure washing, as it can cause damage.
- Brick or stone: Test a small area first, then use gentle pressure washing to clean.
- Wood decking: Choose a cleaning method that protects the wood, and allow it to dry completely before sealing.
- Concrete: Use gentle pressure washing and repair any cracks to maintain its condition.
Always start with the lowest pressure setting to avoid causing damage and keep everything in good shape. Proper cleaning now can save you from expensive repairs later.
Inside Home Tasks
With the outside of your home ready for spring, it’s time to focus on the inside. These essential tasks will help ensure everything is in good shape:
Change Air Filters
Swap out your HVAC filters every 1–3 months, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Use this time to give your system a quick spring checkup.
Fix Windows and Screens
Look for tears in your window screens. Wash them with mild soap, let them dry, and either repair small tears with a kit or replace the screen entirely. Also, check window seals and weatherstripping for gaps, and fix any issues to keep your home energy-efficient.
Check for Water Issues
Look around basements and crawl spaces for damp areas, water stains, or musty smells – these can be signs of mold. If you spot anything, address it right away to avoid bigger problems.
Test the Sump Pump
Pour water into the sump pit to make sure the pump activates and removes the water properly. Clean the pit and confirm the discharge pipe is directing water away from your home’s foundation.
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Yard and Equipment Care
After checking your home’s exterior, it’s time to turn your attention to your yard and outdoor equipment. Prepping these areas for spring not only keeps things running smoothly but also helps maintain your home’s appearance.
Spring is the perfect time to get your yard tools and outdoor spaces in shape, preventing equipment issues and keeping everything looking great.
Prep Lawn Tools
Start by inspecting your lawn equipment. Mower blades should be sharpened – dull blades can damage grass and leave brown edges. If your mower has old fuel, drain it and refill with fresh, stabilized fuel. For cordless tools, check the batteries to ensure they’re fully functional.
For hand tools like pruning shears, shovels, and rakes, clean off any rust or dirt. Apply a light coat of oil to prevent further rusting, and replace any tools that are too worn to work efficiently.
Refresh Your Yard
Tidy up garden beds by clearing out dead plants, fallen branches, and debris. Add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and give the beds a neat appearance. Feed your lawn as recommended by the product instructions to encourage healthy growth.
Take a close look at your outdoor furniture. Wash each piece with a mix of mild soap and warm water, focusing on corners and crevices where grime tends to collect. Check for rust, loose parts, or other damage, and make any necessary repairs right away.
Check Home Vents
Inspect foundation vents for any buildup of leaves, twigs, or other debris left over from winter. Window wells also deserve attention – clear them completely and confirm that the drainage systems are working properly to avoid water pooling around your home.
Money-Saving Green Tips
Keep your home eco-friendly while cutting costs. Below are practical ways to clean, recycle yard waste, and lower energy bills.
Natural Cleaning Methods
Switch to natural cleaners that are safe for both your home and the planet. For cleaning gutters and exteriors, mix equal parts water and vinegar. Tough stains? A baking soda paste works wonders.
Here are some trusted eco-friendly options:
- Seventh Generation‘s Outdoor Cleaner: Great for tackling mildew and grime.
- Ecover‘s Outdoor Wash: Biodegradable and safe for plants.
Reuse Yard Waste
Turn yard debris from spring cleanups into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Aim for a mix of two parts brown materials (like dried leaves and twigs) to one part green materials (like grass clippings and plant trimmings).
Cut Energy Waste
Stop energy loss by sealing gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk. Installing a smart thermostat can save you $100–200 a year. Want to dig deeper? Use an energy monitor to find and fix inefficiencies.
Wrapping Up Spring Maintenance
Taking care of the tasks mentioned earlier ensures your home is ready for spring while keeping it in great shape.
Routine upkeep not only helps your systems last longer but also saves money. For example, servicing your HVAC system and sealing air leaks can reduce energy bills. Cleaning gutters and checking your roof can prevent costly damage down the road.
For more complex jobs, like electrical fixes or roof repairs, it’s best to call in professionals. To stay on top of everything, consider using a maintenance calendar to keep track of tasks and plan ahead for future upkeep.
