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Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

May 07, 2020

Spring is that time of year when we give our homes the once over and assess any damage after the winter months, figure out what needs to be done, and schedule the work so our homes are in tip-top shape by the end of fall. A lot of people set aside a whole weekend for spring cleaning. But what about maintenance checks for warmer weather? Use the spring home maintenance checklist below to get your home spring-ready.

Getting your HVAC systems ready for warmer weather is very important. It is important for your indoor air quality. By cleaning your system and maintaining it regularly, you are guaranteed greater efficiency and a healthier indoor environment.

Prepare your HVAC system for spring
A professional HVAC technician is key to the longevity of your HVAC system.

Replace furnace filter. I recommend changing your filter every 90 days. If the air filter is dirty, your indoor air is dirty. A dirty air filter also makes it hard for your AC to do its job.
Install new batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This should be done annually.
Test and dust all detectors. This should be done every season.
Remove debris and gunk from the top and exterior parts of your outdoor air conditioning units. It’s likely that over the winter, trash, foliage and debris has found its way around the unit.
Schedule an air conditioning inspection.
Consider professional duct sealing. It can improve the energy efficiency of your home and lower your bills. Here is more information on duct sealing.
Adjust your thermostat to welcome the warmer weather. If you have a smart thermostat, you’ll enjoy energy savings through scheduling.

Check out your sump pump. A sump pump needs to be regularly monitored to make sure it will do its job when needed. Clear away debris, it could cause a blockage.

Kitchen and Bathroom
Making sure your bathroom and kitchen ventilation systems are working is important for your indoor air quality. This is especially important in newer homes that are airtight.

Inspect bathroom and kitchen caulking—recaulk as needed.
Test kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. Your kitchen fan is responsible for taking away the moisture that cooking generates. Your bathroom exhaust fan takes away the moisture created from taking a shower. If the warm, moist air isn’t vented properly, it will lead to serious issues like mold. More on bathroom and kitchen ventilation in this article.
Clean kitchen exhaust hood and filter.
Vacuum refrigerator coils.
Check fire extinguishers—at least once a month.

Home Exterior and Foundation
I always say fix from the outside in. If you have problems with your building envelope, it can lead to issues such as mold, rot and indoor air quality problems. If you are thinking of taking on a renovation this year, assess how much you need to set aside for necessary repairs first. A new bathroom vanity can wait. A leaky roof can not.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

If you find that the eavestroughs are clogged, water will back up under the shingles and cause damage to the roof deck. This is a DIY job as long as you take the necessary safety precautions. Read about more outdoor home projects you can take on yourself.

Clean and seal deck—if needed. You can clean your deck with a mild soap and a garden hose. Stick your nose to the window when it’s raining and watch it hit your deck. If the water beads and pools for long periods of time, you still have protection. No beads means that it’s time for a maintenance coat. For more on deck maintenance, read this article.

Check foundation for cracks and leaks. You want to make sure your home’s #1 enemy (water) is not entering your home through foundation cracks. If you can squeeze a dime in the foundation crack, it’s time to bring in a specialist. Read my National Post article about foundation cracks.
Check exterior paint and touch up as needed.
Check siding and masonry for damage and schedule repairs.
Check roof for damage and schedule re-roofing if needed. Your roof is the defence system for your home. I recommend having a home inspector come in every year to take a look at your roof. If you need to replace your roof this year and are looking into Asphalt Shingles, read this article for more info.

Pest Intrusion and Your Windows and Doors
18. Remove storm windows and install screens.
19. Repair/replace damaged window screens.
20. Inspect caulking around windows - if cracking, recaulk.
21. Check attics for leaks, mold, moisture intrusion, fire hazards and critters.

Home Inspection
22. Schedule a maintenance and/or energy efficiency inspection.
23. If your deck looks like it's in questionable condition, schedule a deck inspection through a reputable home inspection company.
24. Schedule annual septic tank inspection.
25. Schedule annual dryer exhaust cleaning and check-up.
26. Check water heater for leaks - schedule inspection if older than 5 years.

There are some repair jobs you can tackle on your own that have an impact on the performance of your home. Read about the 5 DIY repair jobs you should do on your own.

Click here to download your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist