Prep Your Home for Spring

By Bethany Beebe

Flowers bloom. The temperature rises. Green leaves start to emerge. Warm breezes come through open windows. The sounds of lawn mowers roar. Spring will soon be here. To make sure the season is as enjoyable as it can be, preparation is in order. Here are some projects to invest in now.

Outside

Tackle the tools.

The switch from snow blowers to lawn mowers should be a prudent one. Carefully look over all your tools to assure their status. Sharpening the blades on your favorite set of hedge trimmers, draining the old gas from the lawnmower, or taking it to the local shop for a tune up can be done now. While you are waiting to use those tools, look at Purdue Extension publication HO-91 for a reminder of how-to time garden tasks ranging from fertilizing to starting seeds to transplant.

An Eye for the Outside

Assess the exterior of the house structure for signs of winter wear. Caulk around windows and doors may need attention, boards may need replacement in a deck, sprinkler heads or mailbox parts may need to be addressed after being hit by snowplows, or the downspouts and gutters may require a good cleaning.

Powerful Cleaning

Some of that outdoor cleaning could be a little faster and easier with the use of a pressure washer. Siding, soffits, driveways, outdoor furniture, and decks might all benefit from the use of this time and elbow-grease saving tool.

Inside

The air in there

Maintenance on the HVAC unit can prevent headaches throughout the season. Changing the filter and checking the system will assure function and leave you ready as the mercury rises. While you are checking that system, make sure vents are without mold or other allergy-inducers.

Laundry

Checking dryer vents for lint buildup and washing machine lines for leaks is a prudent seasonal task.

Good to the last drop

Assure you sing in the rain rather than lament the presence of water. An early check of the sump pump is ideal to make sure it is ready, if need be. Checking basements and crawl spaces may uncover water in places it ought not be, giving you advanced time to seek repair in advance of the spring rains.

Screens

The rain will give way to beautiful days for picnics and play outside. Make sure that the ants and their friends stay in the great outdoors by repairing damaged or torn screens so only pleasant breezes enter your springready home. a