Spring weather has finally arrived here in Colorado Springs (kind of) and everyone has been out enjoying the sunshine. A shift in weather means it’s also time for another round of seasonal home maintenance. We have a checklist below, but let us know if you need a contractor or handyman recommendation for any of these tasks.
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Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety experts recommend testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. You’ll also want to ensure they will work in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak by replacing their batteries every six months. An easy way to stay on top of this task is change out your batteries around daylight savings time each spring and fall. Regularly switching out batteries also means you’ll avoid the dreaded chirping that occurs when detector batteries run low. Why does it always happen in the middle of the night?
Replace Air Filter & Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Spring wind and flowers bring additional dust and pollen. Replace your air filters and schedule your HVAC seasonal maintenance before you need to kick on the air conditioner.
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Schedule Spring Pest Control
Insects aren’t a huge issue here in Colorado Springs, but we still have spiders, ants, etc. You can beat the rush now and have your perimeter taken care of before the bugs start coming out.
Clear Dryer Vent
A clogged dryer vent can reduce your dryer’s efficiency and be a major fire hazard. Cleaning your dryer vent at least annually will prevent major lint buildup from happening. You can also have this professionally done.
Inspect Basement and Attic for Water Damage
The winter snowstorms can bring lots of precipitation to the Pikes Peak region. Inspect walls and windows for any water intrusion.
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Prep Sprinkler System
You’ll need to de-winterize your sprinkler system once we are past the last freeze. Keep in mind that our last snowfall is usually around Mother’s Day. You can always turn on your sprinkler systems earlier and plan to quick drain your system if a freeze is in the forecast. You’ll also want to start fertilizing your lawn to boost nutrients after a long winter.
How to Turn on a Sprinkler System:
How to Quick Drain a Sprinkler System:
Plan Vegetable Garden
Spring is a great time to start planning your vegetable garden and even starting seeds indoors. Just pay close attention to weather to avoid damaging fragile vegetation by putting them outside too early. Phelen Gardens off of Austin Bluffs Parkway has a lot of great information on their website about starting a vegetable garden.
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Clean Windows and Screens
Spring is great time to get your windows sparkling clean to let all of the Colorado sunshine in.
Clean Gutters & Downspouts
You’ll want to clear out your gutters and downspouts before the notorious Colorado Springs summer thunderstorms roll through most afternoons. This is also a good time to doublecheck the grading around your home is still sloped away for the house.
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Inspect Foundation for Cracks
Walk around the outside of your house and take a close look at the basement. Take pictures of any cracks you notice and reach out to a professional if something needs attention.
Additional Home Maintenance Checklists:
Summer Home Maintenance
Fall Home Maintenance
Winter Home Maintenance