March 19th marks the first day of spring, and many of us are excited to open the windows, clean out our closets, and dust everything. It’s the time of year for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, clearing out the garage, and getting the yard ready for the summer. Here are a few things we think you should add to your spring checklist!
Sump Pump Maintenance
April showers bring May flowers and sometimes flood your basement. Sump pump problems are the cause of many flooding incidents during the spring months. Your sump pump is one of the few things standing between you and a flooded basement, so it’s important to inspect them properly before something goes wrong. Call a professional plumber to have the sump pump and pipes checked if you aren’t sure how to do it yourself. For added protection, EPS offers a wireless sensor that connects to your home security system and detects water leaks and sets off an immediate alarm.
Clean Dryer Vents and Hoses
While you are washing your heavy blankets and soft sheets to put away for the summer, take a quick look at your dryer vents and hoses. Go outside and inspect the exhaust vent on the exterior of your house by smelling for clean laundry. If you don’t smell fresh linens, then your dryer might be blocked with lint and needs to be cleaned. Build up in the dryer hose, and vent duct can reduce airflow, backing up the exhaust and creating a fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 3,000 dryers catch fire each year. About one-third of those fires are caused by failing to clean your clothes dryer, leading to clogged dryer vents. These fires cause an estimated $238 million in property damage yearly.1
Check A/C and Clean Furnace
Here in Michigan, we haven’t quite started using our air conditioning units, and we can still get away with cracking a window. Now is a great time to test your AC unit to make sure it is working properly. This will help you avoid a hassle as warmer days quickly approach. Contact a HVAC professional for tune ups and fixes so when it comes time to turn on the unit, you and your home will be ready!2
In addition to testing your AC unit, be sure to clean up the vegetation around the unit. A clean and open surrounding is important for air flow and for your AC unit to be able to work efficiently.
As you open up your home and prepare your AC unit for use – don’t forget to clean your furnace. Likely, your furnace has seen quite a bit of usage this winter, so as spring approaches take time to clean or replace the filter, blower and motor in your system.2
Drain Water Heater
In order to prolong the life of the water heater and clean out any built up sediment, drain the unit by using the spigot near the bottom of the heater.
Replace Exterior Lights and Bulbs
No one likes have to search for house keys in the dark because the porch light is out. While you’re outside trimming the bushes or digging in the garden, make sure to check that all your outdoor lights withstood the winter and replace those that did not.
Repair Windows and Doors
While you have your windows and doors open to let the fresh air in, it’s a good time to make sure they slide open easily and lock properly and replace any screens with holes. Having well-maintained windows makes it more difficult for potential intruders to enter your home.
Inspect Gutters and Roof
Remove any build up in your gutters so that water can flow properly helping avoid damage to your roof and home. Similarly, take a peek at your roof. A quick inspection can help you avoid expensive water damage repairs.
DIY Home Décor
Spring is the perfect time to tackle home projects bothering you all winter. Maybe you’ve been thinking about painting a bright accent wall, installing a new kitchen sink, or finally hanging some family photos. A DIY project can help you create something personal while also saving a little money. However, there are some projects you should leave to the professionals.
DIY Home Security can be quite a hassle and often leaves you with a headache. Whatever your DIY project is this spring, leave the home security installation to the professionals at EPS Security!
These routine maintenance tasks are just a few things that you can do to step up your home safety and security game. Another is installing a home security system monitored by the award-winning EPS monitoring center. Choose from one of our most popular plans or create one that is perfect for YOUR home and YOUR needs.
Sources: 1. http://www.bpihomeowner.org/blog/things-you-should-know-dryer-vents-can-be-fire-hazard, 2 https://universalproperty.com/spring-home-maintenance-checklist-tips-for-a-successful-season/