ATTIC
- Check your attic for proper ventilation and birds nests.
- Look for obstructions over vents, damaged soffit panels, roof flashing leaks and wet spots on insulation.
- When you're in the attic, wear long sleeves and gloves to protect yourself from insulation.
- You can change filters and clean the air purifier,but have a maintenance check of your HVAC system by a professional.
- Spring is also a good time to have your ducts professionally cleaned. It'll make your indoor air quality healthier and your furnace more efficient.
- Change batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Shrubs and landscaping help against soil erosion, but should be planted to form a negative grade, which means water will flow away from the house.
CONCRETE
- Seal and inspect asphalt or concrete driveways. Most of us put off sealing driveways until the fall, but the spring is an ideal time to do it, says Gibbs. The sealer you use, driveway material and climate will affect how often you need to seal your driveway.
- Power wash concrete patios; inspect decks for rotting wood and secure railings. Seal both if necessary.
POOL
- Have a professional service your pool.
- Remove interior storm windows (old homes only) and replace screens on clean windows and doors
- You can also save on utility bills by adding blinds to windows that face south and west.
- Examine putty/caulk lines around exterior windows and doors; ensure weather stripping creates a good seal.
- Make sure the sump pump is operating correctly; install a battery back-up pump. The backup, another pump that floats above the original pump, will kick on when the electricity goes out. If your sump pump fails, an alarm goes off, letting you know the backup is working. A few hundred dollars will save you thousands in water damage, especially if your basement is finished.
If you need help locating a professional, check out our HELPFUL RESOURCES page.
.
