Welcome back homeowners!
In the previous Spring Maintenance Tips post we began the spring cleaning, and this week, we are going to finish it. Hang in there, and remember that the more time and effort you put into getting your home in great condition, the less you will have to do when it comes time to be enjoying the sunny days of summer.
Before you know it, the grass is going to shoot up past your ankles, and you want to be able to trim it before the abundance of grass clogs up your lawnmower. Early spring is a good time to pull your lawn equipment out of storage in order to get them ready for the summer months.
The easiest way to get your lawn equipment in working order is to unplug the old spark plug and replace if necessary, drain and replace the oil from the year before, and also replace the air filter from the previous season. You may want to take your machinery to a professional for this tune-up, because they can inspect the blades and sharpen or replace them, if necessary.
A great way to prolong the lifespan of your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) unit is to have it properly serviced to ensure that it is running efficiently and correctly. The spring is a great time to do this as there is usually a span of time where the weather requires no machinery, so having it serviced in the spring will cause the least amount of disruptions to the normal functioning of your life.
Preventative maintenance is always the way to go, as we all know, so make an appointment with a licensed HVAC technician and have them service your system before the summer comes.
Depending on the water in your area, this task may need to be done once every year, or once every few years. Flushing out the water tank is a great way to improve and extend the life of the tank and the water heater itself.
This task can be done quite easily on your own, with guidance from an online tutorial from a home-improvement site, but always be sure to read the owners manual of your hot water tank to be sure that you are servicing it appropriately. Alternately, you can also contact a licensed plumber to service the unit, and keep it simple by leaving it to the professionals.
Even if you are not thinking of selling your home this year, springtime is the best time to give the outside a sprucing up. It's always more inviting to come home to a place that looks well put-together, and a home that is well put-together is a home that is likely well protected from the harmful effects of the natural elements.
Upkeep of the wood around your house should certainly be done annually, to prevent rot and keep the wood from drying out excessively. Stain the deck before the summer comes, and then in the fall, you can settle in comfortably knowing that you don't have to worry about the wood through the winter.
Another maintenance tip for springtime is to clean the siding on your home from any algae, especially on the north side of the home where there is less sunlight. Also be sure to check the window frames for any water damage, and get those fixed as soon as possible.
After a winter of keeping warm on the west coast, the chimney may need a little TLC. This is quite a dirty job, so unless you have experience, this is a springtime task that might be better suited for the professionals. Be sure to check the mortar for any damage, and have a handyman or bricklayer fix that immediately. Cracks can cause havoc if not tended to in a timely manner with the proper tools.
As a homeowner, it must feel like there is always something to do around the house, and that can feel overwhelming. So we suggest you take it one step at a time and use our guide to spring cleaning to create a checklist of things you want to do over the next few weekends.
Breaking it down will help you focus your energy in ways that will show you the progress of your hard work and determination. If you are doing your spring maintenance in hopes of selling your home this upcoming season to start living in Ukee, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to help you find the perfect Ucluelet home for you and your family.
