The Big 17 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

Looking for Home Maintenance Tips for Spring? You’ve come to the right place! I imagine you’d be hard-pressed to find any Spring home maintenance tip not listed here.

Photo of a nice family home in Louisville KY
Great home maintenance begins outside, from the roof to the foundation and all points in between. | Photo: jljordanphotography.com

Inspect Your Home’s Vitals

1. Inspect Roof Shingles, Chimney

Let’s start at the top! Whether you are the one doing this job personally, or you hire a professional, making sure your home’s roof is in proper working condition is critical to avoiding those expensive repair bills should something go wrong.

2. Inspect the Foundation for Cracking

Next up, is your home’s foundation. Perhaps even more important! As much as is feasibly possible, inspect the foundation both inside and out. If you find holes or low points in the ground near your home’s foundation, fill those with compacted soil.

3. Inspect Attic

It’s easy to forget about your home’s attic space as we are all less likely to be spending much time there. The start of Spring is a great time to take a quick tour to make sure no “critters” have made a home there. While you’re up there, check the insulation to see if it’s still evenly covering where required.

4. Inspect Windows for Gaps, Screens for Tears

Many of your home’s components expand and contract with the seasons. Take some time to inspect windows for gaps that might need repair. Window screens may have been damaged by a particularly strong Winter storm.

Routine Maintenance

5. Exterior Outside Faucets

It’s generally a good idea to turn off outside faucets before the first freeze. Now that freezing temperatures are behind us, it’s time to turn them back on! That makes sense, right?

6. Service Your AC Unit

Photo of AC Unit
Taking care of your AC unit really comes down to one seasonal tune-up.

Summer may not be here yet but it’s coming. Have your AC unit professionally serviced every year. And if there’s vegetation getting too close to your compressor, cut that back to improve airflow.

7. Change HVAC Filters

Most filters are easy to change. Some take more time. But it doesn’t matter, changing your HVAC filter regularly is the best thing you can do to extend the life of your home’s largest machine.

8. Replace the Batteries in Your Smoke Detectors

It doesn’t have to be Spring but why not? Make sure you have a regular point in the year when you change your smoke detector batteries. Remember, safety first!

9. Outdoor Furniture, Grills

Now that warm temps are here, it’s time to spend some time outdoors! Let’s clean up that patio furniture and spruce up your grill. You can almost taste those delicious burgers now.

10. Prepare Yard Equipment for Spring

If you want your lawn mower to last longer, it is recommended to have it serviced each year. This generally includes sharpening the blade and replacing the spark plug and oil. It might need a new air filter too. Consistently maintain your equipment and you’ll save money in the long run.

11. Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters may not be fun. In fact, if they’re too high for your ladder you might have to hire someone. But don’t neglect this home maintenance tip because it could lead to a serious problem with water entering your home.

Cleaning Inside

12. Spring Cleaning

It’s Spring! Of course, Spring cleaning would be part of Spring right? Dust those baseboards. Clean those windows. Clean out those overstuffed closets. It’s the best time of the year to take care of these tasks because we have great things ahead of us!

13. Clean Dryer Vent

Here’s one that may be new to you. Did you know that fires caused by clogged dryer vents is a very real danger? Well, it is! Take time to clean out your dryer vent every Spring and hopefully, you won’t make the evening news.

Repairing Outside

14. Repair Any Rotted Exterior Trim, Repair Cracked or Peeling Paint

Wood exposed to the elements will eventually break down. Spring is a great time to walk about your home and evaluate the condition of any wood trim on the exterior of your home. Once the wood is repaired, take care of any cracked or peeling paint. Not only does it enhance the beauty of your home, it extends the life of your home.

15. Repair Deck, Driveway and Sidewalks

Your deck, patio, or driveway might only need to be pressure washed every so often. But it might also need to have some cracks sealed with the appropriate product.

Going Above and Beyond

16. Vacuum Refrigerator Coils

Ok, I’ll admit it. When I first heard about this one I said, “Seriously?” But it’s true, once a year grab your vacuum’s hose attachment and clean the coils of your fridge. Don’t forget, for many of these home maintenance tips for Spring there are helpful YouTube videos that will walk you through the process.

17. Drain Your Water Heater

Did you know you needed to drain your water heater? Well, you’re not alone. Most people don’t but it’s actually something that can extend the life of your unit. Well, come to think of it… Now I understand why there’s that little spigot at the bottom of mine! *wink*