Top 6 Maintenance Tasks You Should Do Every Spring

Each year as the final frost melts and greenery begins to appear, homeowners prepare to start spring maintenance. Changing seasons can wreak havoc on your property, so you’ll need to pay special attention to both inside and outdoor features. Things may look like a muddy mess right now, but soon, summer will be in full swing. You’ll want to start all the essential tasks before things heat up so you can enjoy the beautiful weather and not be toiling under the sun.

Here are six of the top maintenance tasks you should do every spring.

1. Fertilize the Lawn

Snow, ice and road salt can give your yard a beating during the wintertime. If you want luscious green grass for the summer, you’ll need to begin fertilizing in the spring. Similarly, you should think of landscaping goals you may want to start before summer arrives. Spring is an excellent time to pull weeds and trim away brush since most plants are dead or in hibernation. You can also weed and fertilize shrubs and trees.

2. Clean the Roof and Gutters

After the winter snow melts, you’ll need to get on the roof to inspect and clean the shingles and gutters. Make sure drains are in working order before spring showers begin to fall. If you haven’t already, you may want to install guards to reduce debris infiltration.

You should also repair any damage and clean off algae that have begun to grow. Moss and fungus growth can lead to roof rot and deterioration if not properly treated, so contact a professional if you need additional support.

3. Inspect Your Windows

The pesky cracks and gaps that allowed cold air to infiltrate your home in the winter will cause hot air to find its way indoors in the spring and summer. Besides looking at the frame, you should examine the window itself for fog between the panes, as this may indicate it’s not adequately sealed. If you notice these signs of damage and deterioration, it may be time to replace or repair your windows.

Major issues like broken panes will likely warrant a replacement, while you can typically fix air drafts with a minor repair. If you’re uncertain of what your window needs, it’s best to speak with a professional. While replacing your window may seem like a hassle, it can increase your home’s energy efficiency and save you money in heating and cooling costs each year.

4. Service the AC Unit

With warm weather coming soon, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioning (AC) unit is in working order. It won’t hurt to have a specialist take a look at your entire heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, but at a minimum, you should clean and inspect your AC early in the season. It’s also worthwhile to check your thermostat and adjust your internal temperature.

To reduce your property’s energy usage, you can program the temperature to be lower during the day while everyone is away at work or school.

5. Check the Fire Alarms

Every season you should test your fire alarms and replace batteries if needed. Most come with a testing button, making this spring maintenance task simple. If you have a carbon monoxide alarm, you should inspect to see if it’s in working order. While you may hope to never use these items, it’s always better to know everything is operating correctly.

6. Spray for Pests

Bugs will begin making an appearance as the ground thaws and warmer weather becomes more frequent. Therefore you’ll want to spray for pests to reduce the likelihood of infestations. You’ll also want to plug any holes and seal cracks that might offer them access to your property. Cleaning and removing food waste will also keep insects away from your property.

Make a List

Now that you know the top six maintenance tasks to do this spring, you’ll want to make a list and begin checking off the work. The sooner you prepare for the changing seasons and complete the repairs, the earlier you’ll be able to enjoy the warm weather. If you notice any significant problems, consult a professional for specialized advice on how to proceed. The peace of mind will be well worth it.