Spring home interior maintenance checklist

Spring Home Interior Maintenance Checklist

There are many outdoor chores to do around the house in the spring, but there are several things to do indoors as well to keep up good maintenance on your entire home. Here are five suggestions for things to do that are often neglected in your home. These will help you to keep on top of things and can also save you money in the end: 

A good place to start is with safety in the home. Test and dust all alarms and detectors. Then install new batteries. Also, check the fire extinguishers to make sure the pressure valve is working, which should be done at least once a month.

As you prepare for the warmer weather it’s time to get the air conditioning system ready. Check the air conditioner drain lines to make sure water can move freely through the line. Cleaning the drain screen usually does the trick. Then replace the air conditioner filter, which should be done every one to three months to make sure the unit is running as efficiently as possible. 

 Clean all the vents in the house and make sure they are open and nothing is blocking them. Remove dust from the covers to help them run more efficiently. 

 Protect your home from leaks. Start in the attic and look for any signs where the roof may be leaking after the harsh winter weather. Then examine all interior plumbing to check for leaks. 

 Look for gaps around the windows and door frames and reseal with caulking. It is also a good time to inspect bathrooms and the kitchen as well and recaulk as needed.

House-protect

10 tips for protecting your home while on vacation

If you’re one of the lucky ones, you’ll be packing your bags soon and heading south for some much needed fun in the sun. Vacations should be stress-free so be sure to take a few measures before you leave to ensure your home is just as you left it when you return.

1. Don’t share the details of your trip with friends on Facebook or other social media sites. No sense in letting the world know your home is sitting empty.

2. Use timers to turn on lights inside and out.

3. Ensure that all windows and doors are locked and don’t leave a spare key hidden outside.

4. Remove treasured valuables (family heirlooms, expensive collectibles or pricey jewelry) from the home if possible or lock up in safe.

5. Arrange to have your mail and newspaper picked up by a close neighbour. Suspend service if you’re planning a lengthy getaway.

6. Disconnect your automatic garage door opener.

7. Arrange to have a neighbour or friend shovel your driveway and sidewalk in the event of a snowstorm.

8. Be sure to unplug any and all appliances, including the coffee maker, television and computer.

9. Reduce the thermostat to no less than 15 degrees Celsius, depending on the age and condition of your home. You will save money on energy costs while avoiding frozen pipes.

10. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider investing in an automatic generator to protect your home’s plumbing from freezing. If the power goes out during a nasty winter ice storm, your heat may go out and your pipes could freeze. A generator will not only keep your heat running but also your alarm system.