5 home maintenance tips to help you spring into spring

These five tips are a great place to start.

Recover from winter window wallops.

Your windows take a beating in the winter. Harsh wind, frozen temperatures, and sheets of rain can weaken the seal around your windows. Take a look at your windows’ caulking and weather stripping to ensure they’ve stayed intact. If you see cracking, or feel air entering your home through the seal, apply new caulking or weather stripping. If condensation has crept between the panes, it’s probably time to get the window replaced.

Let the good air roll.

Sure, hot temperatures are still a few months away. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare your air conditioner now. Doing so allows you to check it off your list and get any necessary repairs done by a professional before the summer rush. When inspecting your air conditioner, be sure to:

• Change the filter
• Check hose connections for leaks
• Ensure drain pans are properly draining
• Vacuum dust from the unit and connections

If you suspect that your air conditioner or heat pump isn’t working as efficiently as it should, give WES a call—we can make a diagnosis and recommendation that will keep you and your family cool all spring and summer long.

Check the attic.

It may not be a fun job, but it’s necessary to inspect your attic—and spring is a prime time to do it. First, keep a look out for insects or vermin. If you see signs of a creepy crawler infestation, take quick action or call the proper eradicators.

Next, examine your attic for mold, which looks like grayish-black splotches. Your mold inspection should be thorough, as it can present serious structural and health issues.

Finally, inspect your attic’s insulation. This can be tricky if you’re not sure what proper insulation looks like, but it can greatly affect your home’s energy efficiency. Contact WES to schedule a Home Energy Audit – in addition to potentially large energy savings, the audit will give you peace of mind and a better understanding of your homes’s insulation situation.

Prep your gutters for April showers.

Make sure spring’s downpours will have a clear path in your gutters. Winter winds can cause damage and debris to build up in your gutters. When your gutters become clogged, water backs up and can cause damage to the roof, fascia, soffits, and siding. Climb a ladder and inspect your gutters, removing any debris. Also examine the surrounding area and keep an eye out for areas where the gutter may have pulled away from the house. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, call a professional who can not only clean the gutters, but also assess any damage and help you implement repairs.

Get on my lawn!

While it may be a bit early to get out there and toil in the yard, a few simple tasks can help you get a head start on a beautiful lawn. Take a look at these spring lawn tips, courtesy of Bob Vila.

• Rake the lawn to remove any branches, debris and leaves that you might have missed in the fall (if left, they can suffocate the grass beneath)
• Prevent weeds from germinating with an organic herbicide
• Make sure outdoor water systems—pipes, faucets, and in-ground sprinkler systems—are in working order.
• Once the ground thaws completely, start preparing new garden beds for summer plants.
• Take stock of your garden tools and lawn-maintenance equipment, including lawn mowers, trimmers and hoses.

We are in the homestretch for warm weather, long days, and fun in the sun. Take on these springtime maintenance tips now so you can bask later. If your home isn’t as comfortable as it should be – we’re only a phone call or an email away. Our estimates are free!