Homecare Tip for Spring

Warmer weather means checking systems and getting ready for summer

Spring is finally here, and now it is time to perform a few routine Spring Maintenance checks on your home.

HVAC System Check

• Have a HVAC professional do a routine-check before the summer heat waves arrive.
• Vacuum return and/or supply air vents if they are dirty.
• Replace the furnace filter. Make future replacements as needed or directed by your furnace manufacturer. Selecting a filter with a higher Merv rating will improve your air quality.
• Reprogram your thermostat settings for Spring/Summer. Recommendations are to set the temperature no lower than 78 degrees in the summer.
• If your thermostat uses batteries now may be the time to replace them.

Seal Around Doors and Windows

• Add or replace worn weather-stripping around doors and windows.
• Caulk gaps where necessary.
• Replace worn door sweeps at the bottom of doors.
• Use caulking and weather-stripping around entry points for all pipes and ducts that travel through an exterior wall.

Check the Fireplace

• Have the chimney inspected and cleaned.
• Now that you won’t be using your fireplace, keep the damper closed and airtight to keep conditioned air from escaping your home.
• Close the gas line to your fireplace. Typical location of gas line:  a)  In basement homes: In the ceiling of the basement next to the fire place  b)In a slab home: on the exterior of the home near the fireplace

Check the Roof

• Replace loose shingles.
• Make sure the flashing around the chimney or vent pipes is watertight.
• Check the bricks and mortar and repair mortar if missing.
• Clean gutters and point downspout away from the house.
• Make sure the splash blacks at the base of the downspout are oriented correctly. The wide end of the block should be under the mouth of the downspout, while the narrow end (with the lip at the edge) leads away from the house.
• Trim any tree limbs that are hanging over or touching  the roof.

Other Maintenance Items

• Open outdoor faucets and sprinklers.
• If you deck is over 2 years old, apply an additional coat of sealer. NOTE: If your home has a newly constructed deck, it must age (or cure) 6 months before it can be sealed for the first time. 
• Check the foundation and siding for cracks or gaps. Repair as necessary.
• Prune shrubbery and add mulch to perennial flower beds.
• Change direction of ceiling fan rotation so air is blowing down during the warm months of the year.