Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

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By Travelers Risk Control

The milder days of spring are a perfect time to do a thorough spring cleaning and perform home maintenance. After a long winter, it is a good idea to take preventive measures to help maintain your home and property year-round. Tasks such as cleaning out your gutters, checking for dead trees and branches, and cleaning and inspecting home mechanical and plumbing systems, such as heating and air conditioning equipment, can help make spring a season of safety.

Somebody should do the cleaning and maintenance of your home, both inside and out. Although the tasks are different, checking whether all the elements of your home are in good working order can help keep your family safe and your maintenance expenses lower in the long run.

Home maintenance inside your home

Here are a few things inside your home that somebody should inspect to determine if they are in good condition:

  • Electrical outlets and cords: Check throughout your home for potential fire hazards, such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Extension cords and power strips are not intended to be permanent fixtures and should be used only temporarily.
  • Fire extinguishers: Check your fire extinguisher at least once yearly, including the hose, nozzle, and other parts, to ensure they are in good condition and that the pressure gauge is in the “green” range. Check the expiration date. If necessary, move your fire extinguisher to an accessible location so you can reach it easily in an emergency.
  • Air conditioning: Check around the unit for indications of leaks. Before turning it on for the season, have your air-conditioning system inspected and tuned up by a professional. Check the drain lines annually and clean them if they are clogged. Change the air filter.
  • Water heater: Check for leaks and corrosion. Check your owner’s manual for any recommended maintenance.
  • Furnace or boiler: Have your furnace or boiler cleaned or inspected annually.
  • Under sinks and around toilets: Look for any signs of leaks or corrosion on pipes, supply lines, and fixtures.
  • Plumbing: Check exposed pipes and valves in your basement or crawl spaces, if safely accessible, for signs of leaking or corrosion.
  • Appliances: Check supply lines for washing machines, ice makers and water dispensers, refrigerators, and dishwashers for signs of leaks or wear and tear.
  • Plumbing for hose spigots and irrigation systems: After opening outdoor water supply valves, be sure to inspect components for leaks. Don’t forget to check inside plumbing as well as outdoor spigots.
  • Dryers: Dryer lint can build up inside the vent pipe and collect around the duct. Clean both the clothes dryer exhaust duct and the space under the dryer. Use a brush to clean out the vent pipe. Look for lint buildup around the lint trap and clean it as needed
  • Smoke detectors: Daylight savings time is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Inspect each smoke detector to ensure they are in working order, and test them monthly. Ideally, there should be at least one smoke detector on each floor of your home, including outside of each bedroom, and one within each bedroom itself.
  • Light bulbs: Check each light bulb in every fixture to ensure the recommended wattage and replace any burned-out bulbs.

Home maintenance outside your home

The cold winter months can also damage your house. Here are a few things outside your home that should be inspected to ensure they are in good condition:

  • Roof: Check for any damage from snow or ice, and make any necessary repairs to reduce the possibility of leaks. If you have a skylight, check outside for a buildup of leaves and debris. Also, check the indoor ceiling for signs of leaks. Remember to put safety first any time you are on a roof. If you have any doubt, leave it to the professionals.
  • Gutters: Clean leaves and other debris from gutters and downspouts to keep water flowing and reduce the possibility of water damage.
  • Trees: Visually inspect trees for damage or rot, and remove (consider hiring a licensed professional) any dead trees that might blow over in heavy winds or during a storm. Keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from utility wires.
  • Lawn equipment: Make sure lawn mowers, tractors, and other equipment are tuned up before using. Store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a vented, locked area.
  • Walkways and driveways: Repair any cracks and broken or uneven surfaces to provide a safer, level walking area.

A little home maintenance in the spring can go a long way toward keeping your home safe and secure throughout the rest of the year. Learn more about Travelers homeowners insurance products, or if you’re ready to take the next step, get a quote from us!