The spring season brings with it widespread gardening and home improvement projects. Spring cleaning is in full force. Unfortunately, a lot of us don’t have the time or energy to take care of a proper spring maintenance checklist, so we run around like chickens with our heads cut off. But, if you’re anything like us and live on your own, then you need to know what absolutely needs to get done before summer hits (yes, we get snow once in a while). Without further ado, here is our spring home maintenance checklist.
1. Check your furnace
The first thing to do is check your furnace. Make sure it’s in good working order, and that it is capable of heating your home properly. Check for any leaks or cracks in the vents, and make sure there are no obstructions in the ductwork.
2. Inspect the roof
The weather is getting warmer, and it’s time to check out your roof.
If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to inspect your roof for any signs of damage or wear. If you see any cracks or holes, you’ll want to get them repaired before the weather warms up too much—that way, you can avoid leaks from happening later in the year.
3. Clean out gutters and downspouts
It’s important to keep them free of debris so water can flow through easily, and you don’t end up with clogged gutters that could cause issues later on. If there are leaves in them, they could also clog up your drain pipes and cause flooding in your basement or yard.
4. Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector batteries
When you’re deep in your cleaning frenzy, don’t forget to check the batteries on your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detector. You’ll want to change them every 6 months, just like you do with your flashlight batteries, and it’s worth checking them before you begin your big cleaning project.
5. Clean out your dryer vent and ducts
When you’re done with your laundry, don’t just roll up the hose and put it away! Take a few minutes to clear out the lint and debris that collects inside the hose. If you have a dryer vent that runs outside, remove the cover and use a long-handled brush to get rid of any cobwebs or debris that might be clogging up the vent.
6. Lubricate door hinges, windows, and locks
Now is a great time to clean and lubricate all of your door hinges, windows, and locks. It’ll save you the hassle of cleaning them later on in the season when things get busier—and making sure everything is working properly now will help prevent any issues from arising that could end up costing more money down the line.
Spring is an extremely busy season for most of us. Between yard work, cleaning up from winter, and preparing for vacations, we’re often too busy to remember the little things here and there. Home maintenance can often be an afterthought this time of year, but you do everything you can to keep your home in tip-top shape for the summer months.