The shift from winter into spring is the perfect time to think about your home’s seasonal to-do list. Having a regular schedule of maintenance needs can put a stop to the most common – and costly – problems, before they occur.
While regular maintenance should be done throughout the year, spring is the time to assess winter damage to your home, start repairs and prepare for the warmer months.
Below is a handy checklist of tasks that should be done each spring (and some should be done year-round). But before you get to that, are you staying ahead of the spring melt?
We’ve had a lot of snow this year and it’s important to minimize the risk of leaks into your home as it melts. In this appearance on CTV News, Amsted President Steve Barkhouse walks you through the tips to manage the spring thaw.
Now, here’s that spring checklist:
- Have fireplaces, wood stoves and chimneys cleaned and serviced as needed.
- Clean or replace furnace air filters monthly during heating season. (Ventilation system filters, such as a heat recovery ventilator, should be checked every two months.)
- Shut down, drain and clean furnace humidifier; close damper on units with central air conditioning.
- Turn on power to air conditioner; check system. (It should be services every 2-3 years.). Clean or replace filter.
- Check dehumidifier and drain. Clean if needed.
- Turn off gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights where possible.
- Test well water quality. (You should test for bacteria every 6 months.)
- Check smoke, carbon monoxide and security alarms and replace batteries if you didn’t when the clocks changed.
- Test your hot water tank’s temperature and pressure relief valve. Caution: It can release hot water that can cause burns. Check your manual before testing.
- Clean windows, screens and hardware. Replace storm windows with screens (repair or replace where needed.)
- Once all danger of frost has passed, open the valve to your outside hose connection.
- Check your foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture and repair as needed.
- Make sure your sump pump is working before spring thaw. Make sure the discharge pipe is connected and drains water away from the foundation.
- Re-level any steps or decks that moved due to frost or settling.
- Check for and seal any holes in your exterior cladding that could allow in small pests.
- Clear your eavestroughs and downspouts of debris and check for loose connections. Make sure water will flow away from the foundation.
- Clear all drainage ditches and culverts of debris.
- Repair and paint fences where needed, but allow wood fences to dry before tackling.
- Start your spring landscape maintenance; fertilize young trees if needed.
If you don’t feel comfortable tackling some of these tasks, consider hiring a qualified professional to help out. Did you know Amsted offers home upgrades, maintenance and repairs, all completed by our team of fully licensed Red-Seal carpenters and trade professionals? Call us or email service@amsted.ca to learn more.
TIP: Make sure you take pictures of anything you might want to share with an expert for advice or to monitor or remind you of a situation later.
Check here for our entire Home Maintenance Schedule, and stay on top of your home’s maintenance needs throughout the year.