Apr. 1, 2008 - Home Maintenance tips for spring

Preparing your home for warmer weather

Here's a partial checklist to help keep your home in top shape.  Regular home maintenance will preserve the value in your house and keep minor problems escalating into major ones.

• Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure that there is one on each floor of your home. Test them and change the battery every three months or as needed.
• Check the light bulbs in all your fixtures to be sure that they are the correct wattage as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Replace all high-intensity bulbs (such as halogen) with fluorescent bulbs that don't produce as much heat.
• Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.
• Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible that is filled and ready for operation.
• Have your air conditioning system inspected by a professional as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Check for damage to your roof, and clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating.
• Check your water heater for leaks and corrosion.
• Clean and/or replace your furnace filter.
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust, and pieces of material or cloth.
• In your yard, remove all dead trees and keep healthy trees and bushes trimmed and away from utility wires.
• Safely store oil and gas for lawn equipment and tools in a vented, locked area.
• Repair driveway and walkways that are cracked, broken or uneven to provide a level walking surface.

For a complete guide to spring home maintenance go to HGTV.com

Apr. 1, 2008 - RE: Home Maintenance tips for spring