Spring home maintenance inside and out

With spring right around the corner, we’re all looking to put those winter blues behind us and get our homes into tip-top shape. But with spring weather being unpredictable, sometimes it’s hard to juggle work, life, interior and exterior maintenance.

Get a head start on spring by checking the interior of your home while it’s still cold and snowy outside. Here are some of the ways you can be proactive about protecting your home and your health:

• Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

• Lubricate weatherstripping and sliding doors and windows

• Check that windows and screens are operating properly

• Check air ducts, remove covers and vacuum dust from vents

• Clean humidifier and check for condensation and proper humidity levels

• Check attic, basement and crawlspaces for leaks or moisture

• Clean or replace your furnace filter

• Check and clean the heat recovery ventilator (HRV); wash or replace the filter

• Check sump pump (if installed) for discharge

• Inspect water heater for leaks

As winter starts to break, you may have more opportunities to check on areas outside the home. In the long run, maintaining the exterior of your home can be just as important as interior upkeep.

When the weather is better, consider the following:

• Check eavestroughs and downspouts for debris

• Check roof for loose or cracked shingles

• Check driveways and walkways for frost damage

• Inspect fences

• Turn on exterior water supply

• Test septic system and clean if necessary

• Plan landscaping to avoid soil settlement and water ponding

Remember to always work safely and do your research before taking on an unfamiliar task. Consider leaving some of the more dangerous tasks, such as checking for mould or roof inspections, to a licensed professional.