The milder days of spring are a perfect time to do a thorough spring cleaning and complete some needed home maintenance. With the cooler temperatures in Florida this time of year, it is an excellent time to work on preventive measures to help maintain your house and property throughout the year. Tasks such as clearing out your gutters, checking for dead trees and branches and cleaning and inspecting homes mechanical and plumbing systems, can help make spring a season of safety.
Cleaning and maintenance of your home needs to be done inside and out. Although the tasks are different, checking to see if all the components of your house remain in good working order can help in keeping your family safe and your maintenance costs lower over the long run.
Electrical Outlets and Cords: Check electrical outlets and cords throughout your house for any possible fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs.
Fire Extinguishers: Check your fire extinguisher a minimum of once a year, including the hose, nozzle, and other parts to determine if they are in great condition and that the pressure gauge is in the "green" range. Be sure to check the expiration date.
Air Conditioning: Check around the unit for indications of leaks. Before turning it on for the season, have your air-conditioning system checked and tuned up by a professional. Change the air filter.
Hot Water Heater: Check for leaks and deterioration.
Under Sinks and Around Toilets: Look for any signs of leakages, rust or corrosion on pipes, supply lines and fixtures.
Home appliances: Check supply lines for washers, ice makers and water dispensers, refrigerators, and dishwashers for signs of leakages or wear and tear. Be sure to correct any issues you encounter. Early detections can save you money in the long run.
Dryers: Dryer lint can build up inside the vent and collect around the duct. Clean both the clothing dryer exhaust duct and the space under the clothes dryer. Use a brush to clean out the vent pipe. Look for lint buildup around the lint trap and clean it as needed.
Smoke Alarm: Daylight cost savings time is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Check each smoke detector to determine if all remain in working order, and make sure to test them monthly. Ideally, there should be at least one smoke detector on each floor of your house, including outside of each bedroom, and one within each bedroom itself.
Roof: Check for any damage and make any necessary repairs to reduce the possibility of leakages. If you have a skylight, check outside for an accumulation of leaves and particles. Likewise, inspect the indoor ceiling for signs of leaks. Keep in mind to put safety first any time you are on a roof. If you have any doubt, leave it to the experts.
Rain gutters: Clean leaves and other debris from rain gutters and downspouts to keep water flowing and minimize the possibility of water damage.
Trees: Visually examine trees for damage or rot and remove (think about working with a certified expert) any dead trees that may blow over in heavy winds or during a storm. Keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from utility wires.
Walkways and Driveways: Repair any cracks and damaged or uneven surface areas to offer a more secure, level walking area.
Just a little home maintenance in the spring can go a long way to help keep your home safe throughout the rest of the year. Learn more about American Traditions homeowners’ insurance products, or if you’re ready to take the next step, get a quote or find an agent.
