Spring represents a time of renewal — and the traditional time to clean house. While you’re washing windows and emptying closets, don’t neglect your home’s internal systems and external features. Here is a spring cleaning checklist of home maintenance projects to repair winter’s ravages on your residence, and get it shipshape for warmer weather.
Spring cleaning project 1: See what condition your air conditioning is in
Your air conditioner will be on active duty come summer. Some simple tasks you might be able to do yourself—clean the air filters, clear away any foliage from the condenser—but it’s often best to hire a professional to do an annual inspection. They’ll ensure the AC operates in peak condition, it’s clean, and it’s saving you money on energy bills. Generally, expect to spend between $50 to $200 on the checkup, depending on your area, according to contractor search service Angi.
Moreover, as you focus on cleaning your AC, don’t forget the air ducts — vital to breathing cleaner air and avoiding allergy problems. Getting your ducts in a row can be expensive: a thorough cleaning job averages $376, according to HomeAdvisor. However, the cool air coming through will fill the room better, allowing for improved comfort and better efficiency.
Spring cleaning project 2: Walk the walkways
Sidewalks, driveways, and walkways take a beating during the winter months. Both the elements and the salt to protect against them can create cracks, holes, buckling or sinking that can be damaging to both the entry point and to people (if they trip and fall). So inspect these areas with an eagle eye. You can make minor fixes for a few hundred dollars; more extensive repairs or restoration projects can run you over $5,000, depending on the type of surface, according to HomeAdvisor.
Spring cleaning project 3: Prepare your yard
Do a visual inspection of your home’s backyard, cleaning up any leaves or fallen branches. Turn your outside faucets back on, testing them for damage or leaks; you might also put sprinklers through their paces too.
You can also take this time to reseed your lawn, paying careful attention to find and cover the bald spots left by snow and ice. The spring thaw also marks an opportune time to lay fresh mulch in flower beds, protecting them from weeds. Lastly, get out your lawn mower and do a tune-up: Lawnmowers usually need one per year.
All told, yardwork won’t cost you more than a few hundred dollars to do.
Spring cleaning project 4: De-gunk your gutters
Examine your gutters from end to end. They typically need cleaning twice a year, and this is an ideal time, as …….
Source: https://www.bankrate.com/homeownership/spring-checklist-home-maintenance/