This winter has been long, frigid and a little too snowy. As the deep freeze begins to melt away, prepare your home for spring. The steps you take now can help avoid costly maintenance and repairs later. Here’s what to do inside and outside your home:
- Inspect the roof and gutters. Check the roof for damage; it’s been taking a beating all season. Then clear gutters of debris; a clog can lead to water damage.
- Check the HVAC system. Hire a professional to clean and service your system. You also should clean or replace filters; it’ll help ensure your system is running efficiently, keep energy costs in check and remove extra allergens from your home.
- Clean and repair driveways, fences, decks and patios. Spray away salt, sand and deicers. Then fill any cracks, holes or gaps.
- Examine windows, doors and seals. Look for damage. Sealants can crack in extreme cold, leading to water damage and drafts. Clean the window panes, drapes and blinds too.
- Inspect paint inside and outside. Make any necessary paint repairs or try a fresh look.
- Replace smoke detector batteries. If you didn’t do this when daylight saving time began, do it now.
- Steam-clean floors and carpets. Remove salt, sand and deicing chemicals.
- Examine your chimney. Hire a chimney sweep to check the exterior for damage and clean the flue.
- Vacuum underneath and behind your refrigerator. A dusty, dirty fridge also increases electric bills.
- Clean out the refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Toss expired foods, clean surfaces and reorganize.
- Declutter closets. Donate, repurpose, recycle or set aside clothes for a garage sale.
- Prepare lawn equipment. Make sure your lawn mower and weed whacker are clean, gassed up and ready for the first spring cut.
Hopefully the groundhog was wrong and we have
