Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: 9 Tips to Prepare for Warmer Months

By the Mercury Team

It’s finally time to shake off the winter chill and prepare your home for sunny days, blossoming gardens, and outdoor living with some spring cleaning. These maintenance efforts enhance your home’s aesthetic and functionality, while playing a crucial role in safeguarding your investment. So, let’s dive into the essential tasks that you should tackle to ensure your property is ready to embrace the warmer months ahead.

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you focus on what needs attention, both outside and inside your home:

Outside Your Home

• Roof inspection: Winter can be harsh on your home’s roof, with potential snow, ice, and wind damage. Begin your spring maintenance by inspecting your roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Look for signs of leaks or water damage in your attic, as these can indicate roof issues. If you suspect any problems or if your roof is difficult to access, consider hiring a professional to diagnose and repair your roof.
• Windows and doors: Check all windows and doors for leaks or drafts, especially around the edges where the sealant or weather stripping may have worn away. To improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort, replace or repair any damaged areas. Also, cleaning the windows inside and out will brighten your home and welcome the spring sunshine.
• Yard and landscape care: Spring is the time to tidy up your yard. Remove any accumulated debris over the winter months, such as fallen branches and leaves. Rake your lawn to promote healthy growth, and prepare your beds by removing weeds and adding fresh mulch to protect plants and retain moisture.
• Garden preparation: Early spring is the ideal time to plant bulbs, perennials, and some vegetables, depending on your climate zone. Plan your garden by deciding what you’d like to plant and where. Additionally, prepare the soil by turning it and adding compost or fertilizer to nourish your plants.
• Pruning and trimming: Late winter to early spring is the perfect time to prune and trim trees and shrubs. It promotes healthy growth, removes dead or diseased branches, and shapes your plants. Be sure to research the best pruning techniques and timings for the specific types of plants in your garden.

Inside Your Home

• HVAC system: Schedule a professional inspection and servicing of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to ensure it’s in good working order. Replace the air filters to improve air quality and system efficiency. Also, consider cleaning your air ducts if you notice significant dust buildup or haven’t had them cleaned in several years.
• Plumbing inspection: Check for leaks in all exposed pipes, under sinks, and around the toilets. Look for signs of water damage or mold, indicating hidden leaks. Additionally, test your water heater’s pressure relief valve to ensure it’s operating correctly, and consider having your water heater serviced if it’s been over a year.
• Deep cleaning: Spring is synonymous with deep cleaning for a reason. Tackle areas that are often overlooked during regular cleaning, such as baseboards, window sills, and light fixtures. You should also clean or replace curtains and blinds and shampoo carpets and rugs to freshen up your home.
• Safety checks: Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working correctly, and replace the batteries if necessary. You should also check fire extinguishers to ensure they’re fully charged and in good condition. Lastly, review your family’s emergency plan and update it if needed.

Maintenance Tips for Other Seasons

While spring is an excellent time for renewal and repairs, home maintenance is a year-round task. Each season brings its own set of challenges and opportunities for keeping your home in the best condition. Here’s a quick guide to help you stay on top of maintenance tasks throughout the year.

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect outdoor play equipment: Ensure safety by checking swings, slides, and any structures for stability and wear.
• Service your air conditioning unit: Have a professional inspect and service your AC to keep it running efficiently during the hot months.
• Check sprinkler systems: Test your sprinkler system and adjust sprinkler heads to ensure your lawn and garden receive even coverage.
• Clean and inspect your grill: Whether it’s charcoal or gas, a clean grill is safer and performs better. Check gas lines and connections to prevent leaks.
• Seal decks and fences: Protect your wood decks and fences by sealing them every few years to prevent water damage and fading.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

• Clean gutters and downspouts: Prevent water damage by clearing leaves and debris from your gutters and ensuring downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation.
• Prepare your home for heating: Have your furnace or heating system serviced. Replace the furnace filter to improve air quality and efficiency.
• Drain and store outdoor hoses: Protect your outdoor hoses and faucets from freezing temperatures by draining and storing them indoors.
• Check for drafts: Seal gaps around windows and doors to keep your home warm and reduce heating costs.
• Test home safety devices: Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and replace batteries as needed.

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

• Insulate pipes: Prevent pipes from freezing by insulating those that are exposed to cold temperatures.
• Check your roof: Inspect your roof for ice dams and icicles, which can indicate inadequate insulation or ventilation in your attic.
• Reverse ceiling fans: Keep your rooms warm by switching your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise, pushing warm air down.
• Protect entryways: Use mats and boot scrapers to protect your home’s entryway floors from salt and snow.
• Regularly check for ice buildup: Monitor and manage ice accumulation on sidewalks, driveways, and around your home to prevent slips and falls.

Conclusion

Regular, year-round maintenance can prevent small issues from becoming costly damage, ensuring that your home remains a safe, comfortable place for you and your family.

If you’re looking to enhance your home’s protection further, consider Mercury Insurance. We offer comprehensive homeowners insurance policies designed to meet your unique needs, ensuring you can enjoy the full benefits of homeowners insurance with confidence and ease. Whether you’re updating an existing policy or shopping for new coverage, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!