Springtime is all about making a fresh start, so as the flowers start blooming and the sun shines brightly, it’s time to leave the gloomy winter days behind and freshen up your home! Before you start enjoying the warmer days and outdoor fun, it’s important to prepare your home and yard for the new season with somespring maintenance tips.
What Are The Best Spring Maintenance Tips For My Home?
Owning a home comes with responsibilities for maintaining this big investment. Do you know how to prepare your home, no matter the season? Eagle Construction has your handy spring home maintenance checklist, full of tips and tricks to best protect your home!
OUTSIDE
Check for anything that could damage roof shingles. The roof is your primary defense against water damage, so make it a priority before those Spring showers start! Examine nearby trees for loose or broken limbs to make sure they aren’t touching your roof or siding as they may cause damage later.
Inspect gutters & downspout drains. Ensure that they’re totally clear, unobstructed, and directed away from your foundation.Clean the gutters of debris that has collected over the winter, getting rid of possible blockages that could cause water to flow into your home.Clear gutters will help you avoid any leaks, rotting wood, or bugs from getting into your attic.
Check windows and screens. A great way to save on the electric bill is by opening the windows and embracing spring breezes. But windows are also an entryway for insects. If you find any holes that are bigger than a quarter, the screens may need to be patched or replaced.
Test outside faucets & water lines. Turn the water back on and make sure everything is working properly. Check for any evidence of freeze damage. If you have an irrigation system, be sure to open up the main control valve only once the threat of frost has passed.Test your sprinkler system and make sure it's back to the schedule you want during the warmer weather.
Deck and patio maintenance. Perform a thorough inspection of the deck or patio. Spring is the perfect time to powerwash and reseal the wood. Clean and inspect your outdoor furniture. Look for signs of wear and damage. Replace or repair damaged or worn-out cushions.Test the connections and burner jets on your outdoor grill and give it a good cleaning.
Check the outdoor lighting. Walk around your home in the evening to ensure all lights are working. Replace any burnt-out bulbs with efficient, long-lasting LEDs. Want to take an additional step? Consider adding solar-powered lights for an eco-friendly boost.
Prep your lawn equipment. Drain old gas and oil and sharpen the blades of your lawn mower and other equipment. You’ll lengthen the life of your mower, improve the look of your lawn, and make your yard work easier. (Unless you live in a Low-Maintenance Eagle Community. Then your lawn mower can be permanently retired!)
Tackle your landscaping and garden. After a stormy fall and winter, the yard can get messy. Clean up debris and fallen leaves from the yard. Rake the lawn and garden beds. Begin to plan and plant your garden. Pull weeds. Fertilize and mow the lawn. Trim bushes, trees and shrubs to encourage healthy growth.
INSIDE
Have the HVAC system checked. Change of season is the perfect time to change the air filters in your HVAC system. Not only do dirty filters cause your system to work harder, but nothing’s worse than turning the AC on and getting hot air when it’s sweltering.Have your system serviced BEFORE the first heat wave.Schedule a professional HVAC maintenance check to ensure optimal performance during the warmer months.
Change the direction of your ceiling fans. In spring and summer, you'll want to switch your ceiling fan to a counterclockwise direction, creating a downdraft and making your home feel more comfortable without relying on air conditioning.
Vacuum your refrigerator coils. On the bottom or back of your fridge, you’ll find coils that conduct the hot air inside the unit. By removing the coating of dust on these coils, they can do their job more efficiently and lower your electric bill. Use the vacuum hose for tough-to-reach spots.
Spring cleaning. It is the perfect time to deep clean carpets and rugs. Steam-clean upholstered furniture. Wash curtains, drapes, and blinds. Wipe down walls, baseboards and other rarely touched areas to remove the winter dust. Edit and organize closets and donate or discard items you no longer need. Flip all bed mattresses. Clean the windows to let in more natural light.
Organize. Go through the piles of stuff that have accumulated over the winter. It’s a great time to donate clothes, toys or books. Clean out your closets. Good rule of thumb: If you haven’t touched it, looked at it, or worn it in the last year, get rid of it. Then you’ll have plenty of space for a new spring wardrobe!
Check your plumbing. Inspect faucets and pipes for any possible leaks. Flush the water heater to remove sediment buildup. Take a peek under your sink. Catching even small leaks helps to avoid a big problem. A long winter of washing heavy clothes could have caused some wear and tear on your washing machine’s fill hose. A leaky hose could cause major damage, so look for any cracks. And clean out that dryer vent; lint is a fire hazard.
Make safety checks. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries if needed. Check your fire extinguishers for expiration dates and replace them if necessary.
Invest in a high-tech thermostat. Smart thermostats let you adjust your home’s temperature from any location, helping to optimize your heating/cooling efficiency. Many models can also be programmed to run at specific temperatures during certain times of the day, avoiding waste and keeping your home comfortable at the same time. Or, if there’s a problem, you’ll receive an alert.
With thesespring home maintenance tips, you’ll be ready to sit back and enjoy the warm weather knowing your home is healthy and efficient!
Eagle Construction Is Your Premier Home Builder in VA
As one of the premierhome builders in VA, Eagle Construction of VA has many townhomes and single-family homes in the New River Valley, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. Our communities are just as diverse as the cities they’re located in, with options that cater to many lifestyles. Plus, you’ll always have easy access to everyday conveniences, natural beauty, and popular amenities.
At our award-winning Design Centers, we encourage you to imagine creating a home that perfectly captures your style, filled with the features and amenities you’ve always wanted. Our experienced Design Consultants are ready to help you craft a home tailored to your life. You'll be inspired by our model rooms and informative displays, featuring everything from cabinetry and flooring to fixtures, finishes, and innovative home technologies. Everything you need to personalize each room down to the last detail.
Additionally, each Eagle home is given a certification level based on verified high-performing assets that enhance the quality of life for its owners, such as health, safety, comfort, energy and water efficiency. Pearl Certification, a national firm, provides third-party certification of our high-performing homes. Their certification system is based on building science, and was developed in consultation with national experts on energy efficiency and home performance.
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At Eagle Construction,one of the most trusted semi-custom home builders in VA,we build new home communities that fit the way families live today. When you choose a new Eagle home, you know you’re starting with quality construction and systems. And you’ll have great peace of mind thanks to our great builder’s warranty. We take the chore out of finding your perfect home. Connect with us when you’re ready to experience the joy of living in a brand-new home.
