Home Maintenance: Spring

• Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector.
• Check the filters on your heating and cooling systems.  Be sure to clean and change according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
• If you have a humidifier or an electronic air filter, check these as well.
• Check faucets for drips.  Check plumbing for leaks.

• Check furnace air filters each month during the heating season.  Clean or replace as necessary.
• Inspect fireplace, wood stove and chimneys.  Have each clean and serviced as needed.
• When heating season is complete, shut down and clean furnace humidifier.  Close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning.
• Check air conditioning system and clean or replace air filters.  Have system serviced as need (recommend every 2 to 3 years).
• Check and clean dehumidifier as necessary.
• Where possible, turn off furnace and fireplace pilot lights.

• Ensure sump pump is operating properly.  Check to be sure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation.

• If applicable, have well water tested for quality.
• Examine foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture.  Repair as required.
• Check paint on outside walls and fence.  Repair and paint as necessary.
• Check level of any exterior steps or decks which may have moved due to frost or settling.  Re-level as necessary.
• Check and clean out gutters and downspouts. Repair loose joints and ensure secure attachment to your home.  Clear any obstructions and make sure water flows away from your foundation.
• Remove any debris from drainage ditches and culverts.
• Prune and fertilize landscaping as necessary.

See also:  Summer Checklist, Fall Checklist, Winter Checklist