Spring is a great time to get outside and plant some flowers. You can stretch your time outside by reviewing outdoor elements of your home, such as your screens. Review the condition of your trees and shrubs as they start to bud. Finally, it’s a good idea to check out the mechanics of your home, such as your AC unit. Use the following tips as a check list and your home will be ready for spring in no time at all!

Service the AC Unit

The best thing about getting your AC unit checked out early in the spring is that you will be cool and comfy when things warm up outside. Talk to your neighbors to see if they work with a specific company. Check out local AC services in the area for positive reviews. Unhappy people always post a review while happy customers are less likely to take the time. Happy reviews have weight. According to Podium, when companies receive positive feedback and high ratings, you naturally have a better impression of them and will choose them over other companies. If you’re very happy with the first service, consider setting up a rotating appointment to get both your furnace and your HVAC serviced. You can protect your home and your health with one simple phone call.

Check the Gutters

The best time to review the condition of your gutters is when it’s raining. If your gutters are running, water will run out at the downspout. If they’re clogged, water will drip over the front lip of the gutter. When the rain quits, you can hire a service to take care of this or use a ladder to climb to the top of the downspout. As a general rule, if you can clear the clog at the top of the spout, the gutter will drain properly. Make sure the gutters are still fully secured to the roof edge; sometimes ice formations can push gutters away from the house and put fascia boards at risk for rot. If local law allows, Rochester Real Estate suggests installing rain barrels to catch water for landscaping.

Replace Screens

Check your screens for rips and tears. Also, make sure your screens haven’t pulled loose from the frames. If you have put up removable storm windows, spring is the time to take them down. When transferring your storm windows to their storage space, take care to stack them upside down to avoid damaging the tracking pins that fit into the storm window frame groove, or next year’s installation will be a challenge. While you’re removing the storm windows, take the time to wash the exterior windows for a bright, clear view of a beautiful spring. Wash your storm windows before the next installation.

Replace Filters and Alarm Batteries

When the weather starts to warm and your furnace isn’t running all the time, Travelers Insurance suggests that you make sure to change your HVAC filter. Because springtime allergies can be a challenge, consider going with a deeply pleated filter to keep all the air cycling through your home as fresh as possible. Be sure to choose a day in the spring to check and change your alarm batteries. Your routine should include your smoke alarms, your thermostat, and your carbon monoxide detectors. If you have recently moved, consider updating the alarms around your house to make sure you have the best protection available.

Waterproof Exterior Features

If you have an outdoor deck, pick a couple of spring days that are expected to be rain free. Use this time to clean and waterproof your deck. Many deck cleaners can be brushed onto the surface and rinsed or swept off. Sealants can be brushed or rolled on once the wood has dried. Be sure to work from the house down to the outer edge of the deck to avoid spattering grime and cleaning product onto the exterior of your home. If the deck is on the second floor of your house, consider adding a waterproof membrane to create a dry space under your deck.

Review the Condition of Trees

Check out the trees in your yard for any slow growth or dead branches. Dead branches can mean dead roots. If you’ve got a diseased or failing tree on the property, according to RTEC Treecare, you should contact a professional for information on getting it removed. Diseased trees can cause a great deal of damage to your home if a strong wind causes them to topple. In addition, weak trees become home to destructive pests that can put the rest of your landscaping at risk.

Your home is a tremendous investment of your time and money. In addition, keeping your home in good shape as the seasons change can save you expensive repairs in the future. By making sure your AC unit is clean and in good shape, you won’t have to pay for an expensive service call on the weekend or put the unit at risk.

If you enjoyed this article, here’s another one you might like: 3 Home Maintenance Projects That Really Pay Off