Whether you’re excited for summer…or dreading it (hey, we live in the desert!), there are some simple homeowner maintenance items you should add to your springtime to-do list.
- Remember compact soil is happy soil.
Make sure low areas in yard yard or areas next to your foundation are filled with compact soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
- Examine your roof.
From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement – shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose, or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer. Whether you have shingles, tin or concrete tiles, your roof is your home’s first line of defense against water damage. If you delay repairing spots on your roof that need fixing, you could find yourself facing water damage inside your home the next time a storm hits.
- Kiss loose or leaky gutters goodbye.
Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from your foundation and are free of debris.
- Pay attention to your A/C.
Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of your air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Don’t forget — change interior filters on a regular basis!
- Make yard work easier.
Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it’s ready for summer use — keep you equipment clean and your cutting blades sharp.
- Save money with a clean dryer vent.
Not all lint gets caught in the lint trap; some makes its way into the dryer vent. A clean vent will save you money by reducing the time your dryer has to run, while a plugged vent not only wastes money but could cause a house fire.
- Sneak a peek for leaks.
Check your washing machine hose for cracks that could become leaks. A leaky hose under pressure can cause major damage in a short period of time.
- Check seals around your windows and doors.
Winter weather can crack and harden caulk and other weather seals. By inspecting them and repairing or replacing as needed, you’ll reduce your air-conditioning bill and prevent water from entering your home and causing damage.
- Drain your water heater.
This process helps remove all the sediment that builds up and prolongs the life of the water heater.
- Make fire safety a priority.
Ensure your smoke detector is working properly. Don’t forget to change its batteries!
- Don’t just vacuum your rug!
Vacuum refrigerator coils, too. The coils you’ll find on the bottom or back of your fridge conduct the hot air from inside the unit. If they’re coated with dust, they do the job less efficiently and cause your refrigerator to work harder; that means a higher electric bill for you.