Category: Spring Cleaning

Ahhhhh, Spring! From cleaning gutters and windows to purging clutter and inspecting your roof, our spring maintenance checklist will get your home in tip top shape so you can relax and enjoy the long, lazy summer ahead.

Exterior Spring Maintenance Checklist

Clean gutters and downspouts – Clogged gutters can damage your home’s eaves and foundation when rainwater overflows. In preparation for spring showers, remove leaves, sticks and other small objects from your gutters. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and, like your gutters, are free of any debris.

Inspect roof – Winter storms can take quite a toll on the roof. You should visually inspect your roof each spring. Look for curled or missing shingles, metal pipes that are damaged, or anything that simply doesn’t look right. If closer inspection or repair is needed, contact a professional roofing company, such as Jenesis Roofing.

Trim overgrowth – Spring is a good time to trim branches of shrubs and trees away from your house. It’s a good idea to keep branches 5 to 7 feet away from your house to avoid moisture problems down the line. You’ll also help discourage wildlife from nesting in your eaves or attic.

Re-seal windows – Drafty windows have the potential to hike your cooling bill beyond your comfort zone. To fix you can add plastic weather stripping along the sides of the sashes or remove the old caulk and replace with new. If your windows are not double-paned, you may want to consider replacing them with an energy-efficient model.

Interior Spring Maintenance Checklist

Change smoke detector batteries – Back inside, change out the batteries in your home’s smoke detectors, as well as its carbon monoxide detectors with fresh 9Vs. This should be done every six months – once in the spring and again in the summer. While you’re at it, test them to ensure they’re working properly.

Reduce water heater temperature – One good way to control energy costs is to reduce the temperature on your water heater. In fact, per the U.S. Department of Energy, turning down the temperature 10˚F can save you 3 to 5 percent on energy costs. Double that if you lower it from 140˚F to 120˚F.

Redirect ceiling fans – If you switched the direction of your home’s ceiling fans for the winter, now is the time to switch them back, ensuring they circulate counterclockwise to force air down rather than up. This will help to reduce your air conditioning costs during the summer months.

Clean your windows – Spring clean your windows – inside and out – using a store-bought or homemade window cleaner (one cup rubbing alcohol, one cup water, and a tablespoon of white wine vinegar will work wonders) and either a squeegee or microfiber cloth. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight to eliminate streaks.