Getting Your Home Ready For Spring and Summer!

Springtime is almost here.  Summertime will soon follow.  It is a great time to do some preventative Maintenance projects to get your home ready for the upcoming Seasons.  Many of the recommended projects will also provide safeguards from potential hazards that result from deferred maintenance.


Here are Twelve (12) Maintenance Items that every Homeowner should complete:

1. Get your Air Conditioning Unit serviced by a Professional HVAC Technician.  Annual servicing of your Unit will help it last for many years.  Ask your HVAC Technician for tips to maintain your Unit between service visits.
2. Change the Filter in your HVAC unit regularly.  It is recommended that filters be changed at least every 3 months.
3. Change the Batteries in your Smoke Detectors (if battery operated).  It is recommended that you change the batteries and Test the Smoke Detector every 3 months.  
4. Check your pipes for leaks.  Check the pipes in the kitchen, bathroom and any other area of your home where pipes are connected. It is not unusual for leaks to go unnoticed until a Major issue happens.  Leaks left untreated could result in Mold issues and a host of other problems that could have been prevented.
5. Have your fireplace cleaned.  Now that the Winter is over, you probably will not use the fireplace much, if at all, for the next few months.  If you haven't had your fireplace cleaned in a while, contact a professional Chimney Sweep Company.  During the visit, ask the Chimney Professional for tips to take care of your fireplace between cleaning visits.
6. Check the windows throughout your home. Things to look for include:
1.  Dirty Windows, this could be a great time to clean your windows inside and out.
2. Cloudy windows, which could signal that the Seals in your windows may be broken.
3. Broken Latches, check to see if the locks and window latches are working properly. If not, have them repaired.
7. Refrigerator Maintenance. Does your refrigerator use a filter?  If so, when was the last time you changed the filter?  Defrost the freezer and clean it out thoroughly. Throw away old and expired items from the fridge and freezer. 
8. Change your Light bulbs.  Do you have light bulbs that have blown and need to be replaced?  Now is a great time to replace them.  Also, consider looking into energy saving light bulbs.  These light bulbs save on energy costs and usually last longer than the standard bulbs.
9. Check the Gutters.  Now that spring is near, excessive rain fall is not uncommon in some areas of the Country.  Have your gutters cleaned regularly to prevent any build up which could affect your roof's condition over time.  
10. Check your roof.  What is the age of your roof?  Is your roof nearing the end of its useful life? You can do a visual check of your roof to look for areas of concern.  Also, look at the ceilings inside your home for evidence of potential leaks.  Again, leaks not taken care of can potentially cause Major issues.
11. Termites.  When was the last time your home was treated for Termites?  If you property gets treated quarterly by a Professional Exterminator, great! If you are not under a Termite treatment bond, it's time to get a Termite inspection.  When you get a Termite inspection, the Exterminator will typically provide you with a quote for on-going treatment of your property.  If not, request a quote from 2-3 companies and compare.  We have witness the massive damage that Termites can create and the costly repairs that ensue.
12. Last, but not least, check your electrical outlets.  Go throughout your home and visually inspect the electrical outlets.  Look for any signs of burn marks around the electrical wall plates.  If you notice anything that makes you concerned, have a licensed Electrician take a closer look and evaluate your electric system throughout your home.

These are just a few maintenance projects that are good practices to help keep your home in great condition.  Other areas to maintain include private swimming pools, garage areas, and landscaping.