Do a Deep Clean
Deep cleaning is the first and easiest step in preparing for Spring and Summer. After a long winter of your home being closed and stuffy, it is time to be cleaned from top to bottom. Methodically, I go through each room and clean all surfaces.
Start by washing the windows thoroughly inside and out, using a window cleaning solution and soft cloths to leave the glass sparkling without smudges. Be sure to wash window screens and sills/ledges as well.
Next, clean the walls and ceilings by dusting, spot-cleaning any marks, and washing down painted surfaces with a slightly damp cloth. Vacuum and dust all carpets/rugs, railings, furniture, and decor. Carpets and rugs would also benefit from a good steam cleaning. If you have hard flooring, a thorough mopping will do the trick.
Pay close attention to areas that tend to collect dust over winter, such as ceiling fans, vents, baseboards, and the tops of shelves and cupboards. Use your vacuum to capture all those pesky dust bunnies.
Be sure to launder all bedding and curtains in hot water. Rotate and flip mattresses as well. This will make your bedrooms feel freshened and clean for spring.
By deep cleaning every room, you'll have a sparkling home ready for warmer weather and the changing seasons.
Check for Damage from Winter
The winter season can be harsh on your home. As the weather warms up, it is important to thoroughly inspect any damage caused by the cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and pests seeking warmth. There are many checks that you can perform when checking for damage, with some basic ones being to:
Carefully examine the roof for missing or damaged shingles, looking for signs of leaks, such as water stains or dampness. Check the attic for leaks, too.
Remove any branches or debris from the roof and gutters.
Check the flashing (waterproof seal) around the roof chimneys, vents, and valleys for cracks or separation. As flashing helps prevent leaks.
Look for damaged or sagging gutters and fascia boards.
Check Siding, Windows, and Doors
Inspect wood, vinyl, or aluminum siding for warping, cracks, peeling paint, or other signs of decay.
Make sure windows and doors open and close properly. Additionally, look for broken seals, cracked glass, and gaps or holes that let in drafts.
Check for damaged weatherstripping around windows and doors; replace if needed.
Examine the caulking around windows and doors, and recaulk if cracked or missing.
Check pipes under sinks and appliances for leaks, drips, or signs of corrosion.
Run water through indoor and outdoor faucets to ensure proper water flow and drainage.
Flush toilets to check for leaks or clogs.
Pour water down floor drains to make sure they are not blocked.
Look for Signs of Pests
Inspect the attic, crawl spaces, and basements for signs of pests such as rodents, termites, ants, or stinging insects (such as wasps).
Look for droppings, chewed wires, and nests. Other signs can be present, but these would be easily noticeable.
Seal any cracks, holes, or entry points that you find.
Consider calling a pest control professional if an infestation is found.
Improve Energy Efficiency
Although with sunny days, we are less likely to have lights on at all times, improving your home's energy efficiency saves money on utility bills and makes your house more comfortable throughout the year. Here are some steps to take:
Replace the Furnace Filter Replacing the furnace filter allows your HVAC system to run more efficiently, as it will not fight against debris in the filter. Check the filter monthly and replace it if it looks dirty. Use a filter with a MERV rating of 8-12 for optimal filtering that will not impend airflow.
Seal Air Leaks Sealing air leaks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and other openings will help prevent drafts and improve insulation. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal gaps and cracks. Be sure to prioritize areas like windows and doors first.
Upgrade Thermostat Replacing an old thermostat with a modernized and programmable one allows you to set customized heating and cooling schedules to match your needs, whether at home or when you are away. This prevents energy waste from conditioning an empty home.
Overall, taking some time to improve your home's energy efficiency before
the warmer weather hits will pay off all season long through greater comfort
and lower utility bills.
Prepare Landscaping and Exterior
The arrival of spring and summer means it's time to give your home's
landscaping and exterior some tender, loving care after a long winter. Here
are some tips to follow:
1. Prune trees and shrubs
Examine trees and shrubs for dead or damaged branches and prune them to improve the plant's health and appearance. Make clean cuts just above leaf buds or nodes so new growth can occur.
Prune spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs and forsythia immediately after they finish blooming. Summer-flowering shrubs like roses can be pruned during early spring.
Trim overgrown shrubs to shape them to improve airflow and light penetration. Remove some of the plant's oldest branches from top to bottom.
2. Weed and mulch garden beds
Pull or hoe weeds to prevent them from crowding out desired plants. Use herbicide if required to spot-treat persistent weeds.
Replenish mulch, which protects soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Apply 2-3 inches over beds, leaving space around plant stems.
3. Inspect deck/fences and make repairs
Check for loose nails, screws, warped boards, peeling paint or stain, and other signs of wear. Make repairs as see fit to prevent further deterioration.
Power wash the deck to remove dirt, mildew, and old stains. Be careful with the power wash settings; you do not want to strip or damage the wood. Allow it to dry fully before re-sealing or re-staining.
4. Touch-up exterior paint
Look for areas where the paint is cracked, peeling, or worn away. Use high-quality exterior paint from trustful brands.
If desired, paint trim, shutters, doors, and other accents with fresh coats in updated colors.
Check Safety Features
Ensuring your home's safety features are in working order is important as the seasons change. Take the time to test and service these critical components:
Test Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Replace the batteries in all detectors, even if they are hardwired. Then, test each one by pressing the test button.
Replace any detectors that are more than 10 years old.
If there are no smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in bedrooms, install new ones. Most homes need one on every level and bedroom for complete coverage.
Service Fire Extinguishers
Purchase a fire extinguisher if your home does not have one currently.
Check that fire extinguishers are fully charged. The needle on the pressure gauge should be in the green zone.
Replace any extinguishers that are more than 12 years old or are damaged.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
As the weather warms up, it's important to have your HVAC system inspected and tuned up for peak efficiency during the summer cooling months. Schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician to:
Clean the condenser coils. Over the fall and winter, debris can collect on the condenser coils outside. A dirty coil will lower the efficiency of your AC unit. The technician will wash away any built-up dirt and dust.
Inspect ductwork. Sealing leaks and reconnecting ducts will allow cool air to flow properly through your home.
Replace the air filter. A dirty filter forces your AC system to work harder.
Additionally, you can subscribe to an HVAC maintenance plan with your provider.