Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for the Whole Home
It is finally spring, the time of new beginnings, flowering cherry, and warmer weather. However, when we are out making the most out of the sunshine, our homes are silently reminding us about the long and nasty winter they have just gone through. Freezing temperatures, ice, and snow tend to leave behind issues that we are unaware of until it is too late. This is the reason I consider a Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for the Whole Home on my priority list as a homeowner.
Consider this: your roof, gutters, insulation, and even your HVAC system all endure intense strain during winter. We not only do spring cleaning but also save you a lot of money by repairing your house, keeping your family comfortable, and saving you a good amount of money. According to research, Energy estimates that Americans can cut their heating and cooling expenses by 15 percent simply by adding insulation and sealing air leaks in their homes. That is where insulations like spray foam insulation can come in.
The following are some of the steps that will assist you in having a full checklist of what should be done to your home to prepare it for the warmer seasons.
Check the Exterior: Siding, Roof, and Gutters.
The exterior of the house is the first barrier between the house and the forces of the elements. And spring, when months pass of snow and ice and freezing rain, is the time to be more attentive to your roof, your gutters, and your siding. Even petty troubles today may be enormous pains tomorrow. Begin by checking the roof to see whether the shingles are missing or cracked. One loose shingle may not seem to be too big a problem, but this can give water an opportunity to creep into your attic and cause the growth of mould or structural damage. Next, move to the gutters. Their winter storms usually fill them with leaves, branches, and dirt. Rainwater spills over and fills your siding and foundation when gutters are filled. By keeping them tidy and by making sure the downspouts are not draining near your house, you will save a lot of money.
Don’t forget the siding. Check cracks, warping, or peeling paint. Moisture can enter the walls, causing siding to become weak. In addition, peeling paint can mean that there is some moisture trapped in the siding. Early treatment of these signs is more economical.
The weekend check-up can do a lot of good in a short time. HomeAdvisor estimates the cost of minor exterior repairs to be between $300 and $1,000 a year, which is nothing compared to how much a roof or an issue with the foundation costs.
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Check Your Home’s Insulation and Ventilation
In the area of comfort and saving, insulation is probably the most important factor. It is a good time in spring to find out whether your home is well-insulated and properly ventilated. And besides, the cold of winter might have pointed out spots where your home couldn’t easily maintain a warm temperature, and the heat of summer will soon challenge your air conditioning.
Lack of insulation may lead to unequal temperatures in your house. Certain rooms will be too hot, and some rooms will be too cool. Leaks of air around attics, basements, or crawl spaces tend to exacerbate the situation. This is where the spray foam insulation really comes in. Spray foam, unlike fiberglass or cellulose, fills voids, stabilizes your indoor air, and prevents drafts, pollen, and moisture.
Ventilation is also necessary. In its absence,e moisture will accumulate and create mold, mildew, and allergens that may be detrimental to the health of your family. An attic with an inadequate airflow, such as one that becomes hot easily, thus degrading roofing materials and raising the cost of cooling.
According to research conducted by Energy Star, appropriate insulation and ventilation will help lower household energy bills by as much as 20 percent. Not only is that good on the wallet, but it is also good for the environment. By incorporating this single step in your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist under the Whole Home, you are ready to face both hot summers and cold winters.
HVAC and Air Conditioning System Tune-Up
Ahead of summer, with its sweltering heat, it’s a good idea to do a little maintenance on your HVAC system. Your heating and cooling system has been overworking over the winter months, and spring is the best time to give your system a tune-up.
The first step would be to replace or clean your air filters. Clogged air filters also prevent airflow and increase workload and energy costs on your system. Experts suggest changing filters after every 90 days, or sooner in case of pets or any allergies. Check the vents and air ducts next. Debris and dust may accumulate, which decreases the quality of indoor air and minimizes the efficiency of the system.
Professional servicing is also a good idea to schedule. A technician is able to check the refrigerant levels, clean coils, and ensure that the thermostat is adjusted properly. Energy research indicates that a properly maintained HVAC system can save energy by 1030 percent. That would be a large variation in a year.
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Plumbing, Pipes, and Water Systems Check
Your plumbing may be broken over the winter without your knowledge, and spring is when you need to look for water flow problems and leaks. Begin with inspection of exposed pipes, outdoor faucets, and hoses. Switch them on to get normal running water. When the pressure is low, you can have a leak or obstruction.
The plumbing in the house should be noticed as well. Check sinks, toilets, and other areas around water heaters and look for moisture or water stains. A drip of water is enough to geyser gallons of water and add money to your bill. Indeed, according to research, household pipes leak approximately 1 trillion gallons of water every year in the U.S.
Don’t forget the sump pump. You can have a large accumulation of rain in basements when your sump pump is not functioning. To test it, pour some water into the pit; it should turn on automatically and pump out the water.
Maintaining these systems today saves them the dollars spent on fixing such damage in the future. The cost of repairing burst pipes or flooding in a basement can easily be in the thousands of dollars. One afternoon in the spring will save you weeks of trouble.
Windows, Doors, and Seals Inspection
You not only make your home uncomfortable, but you also increase your energy bills with drafts. The ideal month to check all your doors and windows to see if there is any air flowing out.
Run your hand along the sides of windows and doors. When you can feel the air passing, the weatherstripping can deteriorate. It is cheap to replace and makes a huge difference. Small gaps may also be prevented by caulking around frames. The Department of Energy states that homeowners can save up to 10-20 percent each year on heating and cooling expenses by sealing drafts.
The windows must also be washed inside and outside. Over time, dirt and debris may harm the glass and turn your home pale. Test cracks, broken locks, or bent frames. This applies to the doors as well, as they may warp and fail to seal properly, thus allowing hot air to enter the house in summer.
It is also efficient to add insulation along these lines. Your home remains airtight, and energy bills are kept low by pairing spray foam insulation in problem areas with new seals.
You must know more about: Why Upgrade Your Cottage Insulation
Outdoor Spaces: Lawn, Deck, and Driveway Care
Your outdoor spaces are in need of some attention after months of snow and ice. Start with your lawn. Clean up dead leaves, turn the soil, and apply fertilizer to encourage growth. Cutting back bushes and trees makes your yard tidy and also covers your roof and siding from hanging branches.
Next, check your deck or patio. Wood can crack, rot, or lose its protective seal due to winter moisture. Wipe it down and recap it as necessary. Good maintenance of the deck not only makes it attractive but also helps in saving your money through replacement.
Don’t ignore the driveway. Crystallization, freezing, and thawing will, in most cases, crack asphalt or concrete. Sealing small cracks will help them to avoid developing into huge potholes. An unopened driveway is also nice to look at.
The maintenance of the outdoors enhances the appearance and value of your house. The National Association of Realtors says house landscaping and outdoor enhancement can increase the value of a house by a maximum of 10 percent.
Safety Systems: Smoke Detectors, Electrical, and Security
You can also use spring to test the safety systems in your home. Begin with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Change batteries and check each unit to make sure that they are functioning correctly.
Then look at your electric systems. Power outlets, power extension cords, and external power wiring. Fire hazards, i.e., frayed wires or overcrowded circuits, should be taken care of as soon as possible. It is always safe to hire a licensed electrician who will conduct an annual inspection.
Security systems also should receive a check-up. Test cameras, motion lights, and alarm systems to make sure they are operational. As soon as summer holidays are on the agenda, it is good to know that your house is safe and you are at peace.
Easy measures such as these ensure the family is safe and accidents are avoided. The National Fire Protection Association approximates that one-third of home fire fatalities are in homes where there are no smoke detectors. This explains the importance of these checks.
Cleaning and organizing the home.
Finally, there could be no spring without deep cleaning. Cleaning your house makes it look cleaner, but cleaning also makes you healthier and less stressed.
The dust gets on the floor, the window covering, and the ceiling fans during the winter. Full cleaning will remove the concentration of the allergen, which will allow you to breathe comfortably. Clean carpets, wash upholstery, and wash curtains to improve the quality of air inside the building. Another thing to do is to declutter.
Decluttering is another important thing to do. Go on mini-walks in closets, garages, and sand torage buildings to get rid of unnecessary items. Day-to-day life becomes easy with organization, and more space is created. It has been found that clutter is a stressor that decreases productivity. You make the environment peaceful by eliminating everything that you do not need.
Spring cleaning is not only about making things clean, but also about beginning a new start. When combined with the rest of the items on this Spring Home Maintenance Checklist of the Whole Home, you can be confident that your living environment will be healthier, safer, and more comfortable over the next several months.
Conclusion: Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for the Whole Home
Spring is the time of new beginnings, and your house needs the same new beginning. Roofs and gutters, HVAC and insulation, all of these actions in this Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for the Whole Home safeguard your property, cost less, and increase comfort. The small stuff will ensure that tomorrow will be big.
Have to make improvements to your house and live comfortably all year round? Eradicate drafts, conserve more energy, and you may want to upgrade your insulation with spray foam insulation.
It is among the cleverest long-term savings and comfort investments.
So this spring, treat your home the way it deserves; you’ll be glad you did so when the summer heat and the winter cold have their way with you again.