Approximately a 3 minute read, posted on March 26, 2021
It’s a great idea to do a thorough spring clean of all surfaces, windows and walls but you shouldn’t stop there. A few suggestions on how to do a little more to keep your house (and your wallet) happy.
Check the age and batteries on all smoke and CO2 detectors. We all know that batteries have a limited life span but so do all detectors. Usually the manufacturer will put a sticker on the back of the device or inside the battery compartment. If you can’t find a “replace by” date then it’s probably better to be safe than sorry and replace the detector anyway.
Check the gutters and downspouts. Poor drainage can have a substantial impact on your property. Anything from the roof to the foundation can be impacted if water isn’t able to drain away easily. Spend the time to do a thorough cleaning and avoid any of the possibly costly repairs that could arise otherwise.
You will likely have at least one filter in your HVAC system that should be replaced regularly. This can substantially impact efficiency, dust, allergens and even be a fire hazard in extreme cases. There is also a good chance you may have a range or oven vent whose filter should either be cleaned or replaced depending on the style. If you have water filters now would be a good time to address them as well. Basically if it has a filter then clean it or replace it as appropriate.
It is a good idea to have a look at your roof and make sure there hasn’t been any damage to shingles over the winter season. It is usually possible to do a basic inspection from the ground (ideally with binoculars) and then arrange for a closer inspection if necessary. If using a ladder for any reason take care to make sure it is in good working order, has an appropriate length and weight and that it is stable in all directions before going up.
If your attic is accessible it is a good idea to have a look around and make sure no unwanted guests have made themselves a home (birds, squirrels and insects should probably be outside if they aren’t official pets). Also have a look around for the general condition of the attic. If you can see light that isn’t coming through a vent or a window that’s probably a bad sign. Look for any signs of water penetration or moisture.
Soaking the aerators (which are screens found on most bathroom and kitchen taps), sink sprayers and shower heads in a vinegar and water mixture can help keep the water flowing evenly.
Clean the dryer vent from the dryer itself to the vent on the outside of your house. Dryer vent lint build up is an all too common a cause of house fires and is very inefficient.
If the furnace and AC unit haven’t been serviced in the past year then this would be a good time to do so. Regular servicing should maintain the efficiency, lifespan and safety of what are likely your home’s two most costly appliances.
There are a great many things that can be done on an ongoing basis to protect your investment, save you money and increase the comfort of your home. These are but a few suggestions to get you going this spring.
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