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After a harsh winter and seemingly too much time spent indoors, spring is a great time to prepare for a carefree summer. Checking and maintaining your home every spring allows you to prevent and minimize problems which can potentially save you time and money.
Create a checklist to be completed each spring, starting indoors and moving outside:
- Change Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Batteries
It only takes a few minutes, but it is one chore that can mean the difference between life and death. Fires can be fatal and cost a lot of money to repair. Remember that battery operated smoke alarms and CO alarms have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every 10 years. - Change Interior HVAC Air Filters
Clean filters reduce the wear and tear on your furnace and improve the quality of air that you are breathing. Changing your filters during a seasonal change allows you to ensure that the filter you are using is appropriate for the upcoming season such as pollen removal for those that suffer from allergies. - Move furniture and clean those hard-to-reach spots
Build up of dirt and dust over the winter is not uncommon in those areas and can create more breathing issues. A good old-fashioned cleaning and dusting will help eliminate dust mites in the air. - Inspect your Washing Machine Water Hoses
Both rubber and vinyl washing machine hoses are a ticking time bomb that may rupture as they are attached to high pressure water outlets. This can cause flooding that can ruin walls, floors, and cause thousands of dollars in damage. - Clean Clothes Dryer Vents
Even if you empty your lint filter after every load, there is still a great amount of lint that has entered the dryer ducts. Cleaning is made easier with a brush kit that can be attached to a portable drill to scour the interior of the vent. Follow up with a simple vacuuming and your vents will be in perfect working condition.
It’s also important to check that the outdoor vent is not blocked by any shrubbery, snow or lint that is damp. - Test your Sump Pump
Ensuring that your sump pump is working properly will help to avoid water build up near the foundation of your home which can lead to leaks and floods. - Use Battery-operated Water Detection Pucks
Disbursing water pucks throughout your basement will alert you if there is any water detected. This allows you to potentially mitigate water damage early. - Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clean out the gutters before you start washing exterior windows or your efforts may be spoiled. Leaving gutters and downspouts packed with leaves and debris not only looks messy but can also cause drainage issues which lead to leaks, moisture, mold, mildew, and rotting wood. Make sure eavestrough downspouts are draining away from your house and can also be used as a source of water for your gardens.
These are just some of the most important areas to focus on around your home to prepare for the seasons ahead. Being proactive with spring maintenance and cleaning tasks can help save you from headaches and costly repairs later.
Everyone at Staebler Insurance wishes you a wonderful spring season!
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