One of the best days of the year is when you walk outside and feel that change in the air. The sun seems to beam a little bit warmer, the breeze dances lightly, and the birds are chirping as everything around you welcomes spring. An important part of ushering the new season (and the changes that come with it) is taking care of your home. This includes cleaning inside, doing routine maintenance, and undoing the damage caused by the winter weather. While this may seem like a daunting task, it’s not nearly as much work as you’d think. Here’s a quick list of ways you can take care of your home and get back to enjoying the great weather.
Clean Your Home’s Interior:
Start out by staying indoors and cleaning around your house while things warm up.
- Open up the windows to rid your home of odors and toxins that built up over the winter
- Dust fans, counters, shelves, and furniture
- Set to work deep-cleaning the carpets and windows, and spray carpets with air fresheners
- Replace doormats
- Change batteries in smoke detectors and test them
- Organize items in kitchen, pantry, and laundry room
- Keep bugs out by putting items in airtight containers
- Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, which save on energy costs
Mechanical Maintenance:
A lot of your appliances degrade during the winter, especially if they weren’t being used.
- Service air conditioners now, and fix any issues before the hot weather comes
- Check HVAC filters once a month and change them if needed
- Clean out the drier vents to prevent your drier from blowing hot air around the house (make sure to use your bathroom’s exhaust fan when showering for the same reason)
- Clean the coffee maker with equal parts water and white vinegar (by now, it probably needs it)
- In a similar fashion, clean off the grill and make sure it works before you start having cookouts
Take Care of Your Home’s Exterior:
Do some upkeep outside your home and check for winter weather damage.
- Have roof flashing, caulking, and shingles inspected before the spring rainstorms arrive
- Clean the siding, which should be done twice a year to remove grime and dirt
- Inspect caulking around windows, doors, and any openings into the home, which may have swelled
- Check insulation around windows and doors for cracking/peeling to ensure a good seal
- Check your home’s foundation inside and out for damage, since even the smallest cracks can become much worse when a storm arrives
- Consider planting a shade tree above air conditioners, which keeps them cool and helps them run more efficiently
- Install an attic fan or vent, which keeps the hottest part of your house cooler
This year, take spring cleaning beyond just a light dusting. Set a day or two aside to prep your entire home for the temperature change and repair the winter weather damage with these easy fixes. Set a day or two aside to do this with your family, and celebrate a job well-done with pizza and a movie. Then when the time comes to clean gutters, patch the roof, and plan your landscaping, contact Greener Horizon for a free consultation. We will help you care for a home that you’re proud to call your own.
