A Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Tune Up the Central Air Conditioner and Repair Weather Stripping
Perhaps climate change is a better term than global warming. That may mean more upcoming storms and blistering hot weather. Like an annual physical exam at the primary care physician's office, a home checkup can guard against future ailments.
Check the Central Air Conditioning Unit
Central air conditioning maintenance should be performed annually. It's a no-brainer to change the filter; and remember to change it every month. If any of the home's occupants have seasonal allergy problems, there are air filters for this purpose, and they're well worth the money.
Check the compressor (the part outside the home). Use a fin comb to straighten any cooling fins on the outside of the unit. These are easily bent by storm debris or bumping by a lawnmower. Look inside the unit and make sure it's clear of leaves or anything else that might impede the fan.
Have an HVAC service person check the coolant and oil level, and inspect the evaporator (the part in the attic or basement).
Inspect the Roof
Winters can be hard on metal or shingle roofs, but especially the latter. A visual roof inspection is easy to do though. Much of this can be done from the ground with a pair of binoculars. Look for any damaged shingles first.
Next, inspect all the flashing. This is the metal angle that runs along the edge of the roof and tucks under the shingles to keep rain water from getting behind the fascia board. Flashing is also found around things that protrude from the roof, such as chimneys, stink pipes, sky lights, and power attic vents.
Inspect and Clean the Rain Gutters
Most homes have rain gutters and downspouts, and they get clogged, even with the best gutter guards. It will be necessary to get up on a ladder to do this, so use caution. Scoop any debris out. It may be necessary to use the garden hose with the high pressure squirter to blast anything out of the downspouts.
Check all the seams to make sure there are no leaks. If any are found, they can be sealed up with roof cement or silicone caulk. Look for holes on the sections. For small holes, use roof cement. If larger holes are found, sand the area around it, smear one side of a sheet metal patch with cement, apply it, and then put a coat of cement over the patch.
Inspect and Repair Weather Stripping
Door and window weather stripping can be a real thief when it comes to utility bills. A small leak might not seem like a big issue, but it's like a dripping faucet; over the course of time it really adds up. This is an easy and inexpensive fix.
While doing the inspection and repair, it's a great time to add a door sweep to the exterior doors.
Go ahead and take one or two weekends to take care of these issues before things like gardening and lawn work take up all the leisure time.
Central Air Conditioner Condenser
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