Spring 2011 Home Maintenance Tips – Home Warranty of America.

A general check around your home, both inside and out, is important at the first sign of warm weather. In between exercising and playing with your kids, Spring opens the perfect opportunity to have your air conditioning and other mechanical systems checked by a home maintenance professional. Some of these additional tasks listed below can be performed by you as well, so take the time to spruce up your home for Spring because it will save you money and time over the season.  

Loose Objects
Check for loose gutters, downspouts, shingles and siding or cracks in the sidewalk and driveway that need repair and cleaning.  If shingles are missing, curling, broken or cracked they should be replaced.
Clogged Gutters
Gutters should be cleaned in the spring and again in the fall. Leaves and twigs clogging your gutters will prevent rain from draining properly. While cleaning your gutters, check for holes or rust and make sure they are securely attached to the house.
Shrubs & Trees
Prune trees and bushes as necessary; clean away organic debris that has gathered during the winter. Pruning removes deadwood, improves shape and maintains the plants health.
Decks & Patios
Test your deck for any boards or railings that need replacing. Maintenance to your walkways will help prevent guests and your family from tripping or falling. Take the time to examine all the wood carefully to see if any boards are rotten.Walk around your deck and listen for squeaks. Try to feel for soft spots or sagging areas.
Pipes
Inside the house check the pipes in the kitchen and baths for leaks that need fixing. Repair any dripping faucets or tubs. Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function.
Sump Pump
Check your sump pump for proper operation and change the battery in the backup. A yearly cleaning is recommended before the rainy season hits. If you spot an oily film on the surface of the water in your sump pump, verify the condition of the oil seal. The appearance of oil may indicate a faulty oil seal which could cause the motor to burn out in the pump.Batteries
Inspect and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Batteries weaken with age and should be checked regularly and replaced generally once a year.

Oven/Stove Top
Give your kitchen range, hood and oven area a good cleaning to remove all built-up grease to prevent fires. Keeping this area clean of cooking grease will help keep a stovetop fire from spreading.
Air Conditioner
Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer.
Water Heater
Check around the bottom of your water heater to make sure there are no leaks or rusting. Replace it if you find any.

Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, have it cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.