Spring Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

Keep Wasps at Bay

This is the time of year wasps start to make their presence known. Often building nests under the eaves of decks and roofs, in flue and combustion air pipes and around the AC condenser. Routinely checking for these unwanted guests and removing them early will help avoid potential stings and prevent the nests from becoming larger and more difficult to manage. 

Planting Trees in Spring? Avoid Trees with Aggressive Root Systems

If you are considering planting new trees in your yard this Spring, be mindful of the type you choose. Trees with aggressive root systems pose a risk to your plumbing/sewer lines.  If your sewer line has any cracks or holes, roots can enter as they dig deep looking for water.

Here is a list of trees that are known to have aggressive root systems.

Willows
Maples
Poplars
Figs
American Elm
Aspen
Birch
Sycamore
Oak
Magnolia
Bamboo

Roots Infiltrating Drain Lines

Do you know the condition of your sewer main line? Sewer problems can be a surprise. 

 If you have an older home or have trees or vegetation growing near your sewer line you may want to consider having a drain camera inspection. Older homes could have sewer pipes that have become brittle over time. Any cracks could allow roots to enter and cause a blockage. These inspections are often a low cost way to catch sewer problems early before they turn into messy disasters. 

Plumbing Maintenance

• When was the last time you checked for leaks in your plumbing? Here is an easy way to see if you have a leak. 
  • Turn off the water at the main. 
  • Observe your water meter. With the main shut off the water meter should stop counting.
  • If your water meter continues to run, it may indicate a hidden leak. 
  • If the water meter remains unchanged after several minutes take comfort in knowing your plumbing is leak free. 
  • Otherwise, look for signs of water damage or dampness in walls, ceilings, and floors to see if you can spot the source of the leak. A professional plumber can help find these leaks as well.

Water Heater Maintenance

• Utah’s hard water can take a toll on appliances, especially water heaters. Flushing out the sediment yearly can help to remove the minerals that would lead to rust developing on the inside of the tank. It’s always a good idea to routinely visually check your water heater for signs of rust, corrosion, or visible water drips. 
• There are many factors that can affect the life expectancy of your water heater, but on average they should last 8 to 12 years and sometimes longer when well maintained. If you notice signs of rust or water drips, it’s time to start planning for a replacement. But yearly maintenance and visual checks can help avoid 50 gallons of water from your water heater leaking onto your floor. 

HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system will likely have the biggest impact on your comfort as the weather warms. So ensuring your HVAC system is properly maintained is an important seasonal step. The easiest way to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the season is to schedule a seasonal tune-up, but here are a few other suggestions to help improve your air quality:

• Remove debris from your condenser
  • Check your outdoor condenser and make sure that it is free from debris. Visually inspect inside and out to make sure nothing has fallen inside that could damage the fan blades. Remove vegetation or leaves that could be caught on the outside coils to help ensure proper airflow. 
• Clean Air Vents:
  • Vacuum and clean indoor air vents and registers to remove dust and debris. This improves air quality and allows for better airflow throughout your home.
• Change HVAC Filters:
  • Check your air filters. If you can’t see light through them, or they are obviously dirty, be sure to replace them to ensure efficient operation. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and lead to increased energy consumption.
  • An annual AC-Tune-up from Black Diamond Experts includes a free 1” air filter. 

Dealing with Seasonal Allergies & Air Quality

Spring brings beautiful flowers but can also cause trouble for those with seasonal allergies. For those suffering with allergies or from low air quality an air cleaner can make a world of difference. These devices come in many sizes from small portable room air cleaners to whole home air scrubbers that work with your HVAC system, these devices can help you breathe easier. 

Are Your Outdoor Outlets Protected from the Elements?

Winter weather and the harsh sun can cause the protective covers on outdoor outlets to become brittle and break. As the weather warms it’s a great time to replace any damaged or missing covers to protect against moisture and debris. 

Test Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Seasonal changes are a great reminder to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and ensure they are working correctly. 

Did you know smoke detectors have a lifespan of about 10 years? 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends every smoke detector be replaced after 10 years and that regular batteries be replaced every six months.

Adjust Your Ceiling Fans To Help With Warmer Weather

In warmer months make sure your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise. This pushes the air downward and creates a cool breeze.  

In cooler months your fans can help circulate heat when rotating clockwise. 

 

We hope these tips can help you address potential issues early, improve the efficiency of your home’s systems, and ensure a comfortable and safe living environment for you and your family throughout the season.