Spring Clean Maintenance List

Just like you, your home can benefit from a “health” physical.

For its upkeep and well-being, to keep it always looking its best, and to prevent costly breakdowns, it needs a maintenance schedule.

Replace furnace filters. This will make it easier to regulate your home’s temperature. It will also decrease utility bills every 3 months.
Have your ducts cleaned. This will improve furnace performance and ensure clean air in your home. Dryer vent cleaning is important because lint is extremely flammable.
Adjust your thermostat for the warmer weather ahead.
Uncover AC and clean the AC condenser coils. Important: *Make sure power is turned off to the unit before performing any work on it. *
- Clean and clear debris from around the unit.
- Check coolant lines
- Test the unit

Inspect seals and caulking ensuring for a leak-free Spring.
Check screens for holes to keep bugs and critters outside.
Check operation of cranks to make sure all windows are operating smoothly. (Binding windows can indicate unwanted pressure or strain on a window.)
Check basement window wells to make sure they are free of debris and are draining at an adequate rate to prevent overflows.

Check that the gutter is secure.
Check end caps and all connection points for leaks. Re-seal with gutter caulking if necessary.
Ensure all downspouts are pointed away from your home.
Ensure water is not pooling against your foundation. If so, redirect the source of water or divert it away with grading or landscaping.
Use rain barrels. They’re a great solution for diverting water for providing water storage for your gardens throughout the summer.
Ensure all debris is free and clear and water is able to flow freely.

Test that your sump pump is operating properly. Make sure the “max” and “min” water level settings are positioned correctly.
Consider a battery backup, especially if your pump runs several times an hour.
Consider installing a secondary pump in case of primary pump failure, because constant operation can be hard on pumps. Check your basement floor for any damp areas or pooling water.
Inspect your foundation wall for any cracks. Cracks will usually appear on the corners of the basement window, at elevation changes or where there are heavy loads (the beam location).
If water is present, consider calling a foundation repair expert to assess the problem and suggest reasonable solutions – for example, crack repair, tile drainage repair, a new damp-proof membrane.

Wash the exterior of your home. See if caulking joints, flashings, soffit, and fascia are still intact after a harsh winter.
Ensure any gaps or cracks are filled.
Turn your outside water back on for the year. Test the valves to make sure they don’t leak. Water is costly.
Test your outdoor power outlets. If there are any issues, consult a licensed electrician.
Clean walks and driveways. If gaps and cracks are present, fill them with patching compound. Water penetrating those cracks will cause further damage in coming winters.
Clean decks and stain. Inspect the condition of the frame and deck surface. Replace any rot immediately. It will spread – similar to rust on your car.
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) and bleach make a wonderful deck surface-cleaner (along with elbow grease and a stiff brush).
If you re-stain your deck, make sure you start with a clean dry surface and plan for 24 hrs of dry time (good luck).