Spring is primetime for new homeowners to call builders requesting repairs. People emerge from a season indoors to find winter left its mark on their homes. Luckily, with some support and guidance from you, homeowners can feel at ease that their home is still in great condition.

We’ve prepared an article for you to share with homeowners full of spring maintenance tips. These easy actions will have them recovering from winter and ready for the new season in no time. For additional tips and recommendations, include PWSC’s Spring Home Maintenance Checklist.

Want to offer buyers even more peace of mind? Add a HomePRO system and appliance warranty as another valuable home perk.   

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Flowers are blooming. The temperature is changing. And months of winter wear and tear are showing up on your home. It’s official. Spring has sprung!

Home maintenance during the spring season is some of the most important. Even in warm climates, winter months can take a toll on homes. Plus, spring offers the perfect time for some easy upkeep before a hot summer rolls in.

Here are some tips for keeping your home safe and in excellent condition this spring.

Change Smoke Detector Batteries

Let Daylight Savings Time be the reminder to change smoke detector batteries throughout your home. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends swapping batteries every six months. So, change your clocks and smoke detector batteries at the same time. Do not wait for the annoying low-battery “chirp.” The NFPA reports that three in five fire deaths occur in homes without properly working smoke detectors. Faulty or missing batteries are a culprit in half of those fires.

Check Fire Extinguishers

Best practice is conducting a visual inspection of fire extinguishers every month—especially those located in areas prone to rust, impact, or tampering. Extinguishers should be thoroughly inspected annually every spring to ensure they are in good working order and have retained their charge. Find the manufacturing date on the unit and look up when the fire extinguisher is due for professional service.

Repair Windows and Doors

Frigid temperatures can shrink windows while humidity prompts them to warp and bow. Visually inspect all windows and doors. Patch or replace screens and repair damaged frames. Grab some caulk on a dry day and fill in any gaps around windows that could let moisture in and cooled air out.

Replace Furnace Filters

Furnace filters need changed (or cleaned for permanent filters) every 90 days. Filters collect dust, hair, pet fur, allergens, and other small particles that can make you—and your expensive furnace—feel sick. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can shorten your furnace’s life or result in a costly service call.

Ready the Air Conditioner

Hotter temperatures are coming. Clean inside the air conditioner by removing dirt and debris. Pay special attention to the coils, drain pan, and drainpipe. Carefully straighten any bent fins. Clear leaves and sticks from around the AC. Trim trees, shrubs, and other landscaping within two feet of the unit. This ensures good air flow.

Look for Leaks

Inspect under every sink for signs of drips and collecting water. Even small leaks can cause big damage so make repairs immediately. Bring the caulk gun with you to repair any cracks and splits around tubs, showers, and sinks. 

Inspect the Water Heater

Check the water heater for signs of leaks and corrosion. Empty sediment and mineralization from the tank. For homes with hard water, this should happen at least twice a year. Sediment that collects between the heating element and water causes the appliance to be less efficient and effective.

Take a Walk Outside

Walk around your home looking for water stains or siding damage. Give the exterior a good wash to remove dirt, soot, algae, and mildew. Pay special attention to the foundation and masonry looking for any signs of deterioration. When caught early, homeowners can save thousands of dollars on repairs.

Get the Deck in Order

Clean all mildew and fungus from decks and porches. Most standard decks can benefit from resealing every year, but no deck should go more than three years. Secure any nail pops, loose boards, and rickety rails that create safety hazards.

Now you and your home are ready to enjoy the spring!