8 Ideas for a New Home Gift
Spring is near! Even though there’s still snow on the ground, warm weather will be coming soon. Neighbors come out of hibernation, winter coats and mittens get packed away, you begin spring cleaning, and you may begin to think about other home care that needs to be done as we prepare for the big thaw.
As snow melts and our rainy season begins, home maintenance becomes especially important to keep water flowing away from your home and your mechanicals running properly. Follow the below tips from the professionals and you’ll get to enjoy living in your home stress-free year after year.
Here is your quick-guide spring home maintenance checklist:
- Inspect Your Roof
- Check Gutters and Downspouts
- Inspect the Drainage System
- Test Your Sump Pump
- Inspect Water Lines
- Inspect Lawn Equipment
- Clear Vegetation Around your AC Compressor
- Clean or Replace Your HVAC Filters
- Adjust Your Humidifier
- Check Seals Around Windows and Doors
- Vacuum Your Refrigerator Coils
- Clean Your Dryer Vent
- Replace Smoke Detector Batteries
Inspect Your Roof
Your home’s roof is its first line of defense against water, so after the long winter, it’s important to inspect and repair any loose shingles to prepare for the rainy season ahead. For safety reasons, consider hiring a professional to inspect your roof.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
There’s no doubt about it: spring can be messy. Fallen leaves, dirt, and other debris can collect in gutters and downspouts and cause blockages that prevent draining. Remove debris and rinse gutters with a high-pressure garden hose, make a clear path for melting snow and ice to flow away from the home, and repair any leaking or loose gutters as needed. It is recommended to hire a professional for this.
Inspect the Drainage System
As the ground thaws and begins to settle, it’s important to maintain positive drainage away from your home. The drainage system on your property must be free of obstructions so that ice and snow can move away from your foundation. Clear away debris from drains and window wells to make sure water ends up in the designated locations.
Test Your Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, test this by plugging it in directly to ensure you can hear the motor running, or pour some water into the sump basket. Once overnight temperatures are consistently above 32 degrees, install an extension hose to help move water away from the foundation.
Inspect Water Lines
As flowers begin blooming, you may be excited to water your garden and landscaping. When turning on outdoor faucets, check for leaks in outdoor plumbing lines as the water is turned back on. If you notice any leaks, turn the water shutoff valve off and contact a plumber to prevent further damage.
Inspect Lawn Equipment
Get ready for summer lawn care by changing engine oil and sharpening the cutting blades on your mower. Swap out old gasoline for new, fresh gasoline to lengthen the life of your mower and keep your lawn looking great from the curb year-after-year!
Clear Vegetation Around Your AC Compressor
To work efficiently, your AC compressor needs good airflow. Prune any plant growth that could block this and enjoy an efficiently running AC unit, keeping you cool and comfortable.
Clean or Replace Your HVAC Filters
Don’t drain your wallet – a dirty furnace filter forces your HVAC system to work hard! This will also shorten the life of your blower motor. Replace furnace filters monthly for optimum performance and to keep your home comfortable. Note the size and air flow indicator (usually an arrow) on the filter so you can replace with the same size and air flow direction.
Adjust Your Humidifier
Humidifiers help balance moisture levels in the home, keeping it comfortable and protecting wood products in your home. If you have a humidifier, turn the dial to the “Off” position and turn the humidifier damper to the “Summer” setting as the warmer, more humid air approaches.
Check Seals Around Windows and Doors
Weather stripping keeps cold winter air out, and warm summer air out as well. Cold weather can crack and harden caulk and other weather seals around windows and doors. Inspect them now, then repair and replace as needed, and you will see savings on your energy bills, too!
Vacuum Your Refrigerator Coils
The coils on the bottom or back of your refrigerator conduct the hot air from inside the unit, and if they’re coated with dust it causes your refrigerator to work harder. Guess what this means? Higher electric bills for you. Use a vacuum or brush to clean the coils and watch what it does to your electric bill!
Clean Your Dryer Vent
You may be aware that removing lint helps your dryer run efficiently and makes your clothes dry faster (saving you money!). Did you know that this small step also prevents fires? Lint is a flammable material, so it’s important to keep this area clean. Not all lint gets caught in the lint trap, so check the outdoor dryer vent and remove any lint.
Replace Smoke Detector Batteries
You never know when you’ll need them. It’s best to make a habit of replacing them every spring so you can rest easy at night.
M/I Homes wants you to be able to enjoy your dream home for many years to come. Practicing good spring maintenance habits each year will ensure your happiness in your new home year after year.
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