Your home has weathered a record-breaking winter of snow, ice, sleet, and Polar Vortex temperatures. As the cold retreats and the snow melts, your home deserves some well-earned TLC. 

Even though the deep winter freeze continues to keep many of us in hibernation, it’s time to prepare your home for the spring season. Start to plan and prepare now to avoid costly repairs and maintenance later. 

Here are 15 home care tips to bring in the spring! 

1. Inspect the Roof: The harsh winter weather has been beating on your roof all season. Invest the time to fully inspect your roof for weather-damaged shingles.
2. Clean the Gutters: Clogged gutters can lead to water damage.
3. Clean/Replace HVAC Filters: Clean filters keep your system running efficiently and energy costs in check.
4. Clean Refrigerator Coils: Dirty fridge coils can also increase the electric bill.  
5. Clean and Repair Driveways, Fences, Decks, and Patios: Remove salt, sand, and deicers. Repair cracks, holes, and gaps. 
6. Check Window and Door Seals: Extreme cold can cause weather sealants to crack leaving these areas vulnerable to water damage.  
7. Plan to Paint: Inspect indoor and outdoor areas for paint repair. Choose eco-friendly paints. Try a new color in a room or two for a fresh new look.
8. Check AC System: Hire a qualified heating and cooling professional to clean and service your AC system.
9. Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors: Don’t neglect this lifesaving tip!   
10. Clean Out the Fridge, Freezer, and Pantry: Throw out expired foods, clean surfaces, declutter, and reorganize. 
11. Declutter Closets: Donate, repurpose, recycle, and plan a tag sale.
12. Steam-clean Flooring: Remove salt, sand, and deicing products.
13. Clean and Repair Windows: Look for window damage inside and out. Clean drapes, blinds, and other window treatments. 
14. Chimney Care: Check the exterior of the chimney for damage. Hire a certified chimney sweep to clean and inspect the flue.
15. Check Lawn Equipment: Make sure lawn mowers are ready for the first spring cut. 

What is your favorite part of spring?

Share your comments with me on Twitter and Google+

Subscribe to my ezine The Connected Times, a daily ezine focused on integrating sustainable lifestyles, technology, and social media. 

For more great home care tips check out Gary Foreman and his site The Dollar Stretcher -  an amazing resource for practical moneysaving information and ideas.

Also check out these home-maintenance tips from HGTV.

Photo Credit 

Jessica E. Roberts Real Estate Social Media Consultant & Coach ✩Power Up Your Connections With Social✩  Licensed Real Estate Salesperson  REALTOR®  Exit Realty Achieve Smithtown, NY 11787  t: 860-595-5726 | e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.| w: http://news.jessicarobertsrealtor.com/

 

Donate | Share on Facebook | Share on Twitter Add this to your emails