Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, but it's also a crucial period for home maintenance. Ensuring that your home is ready for the changing seasons is essential. Neglecting certain maintenance tasks during spring can lead to costly repairs and potential damage to your home. That's why we've compiled a list of five commonly forgotten home maintenance tasks to help you keep your home in top condition this spring.
Change Air Filters
One of the most commonly forgotten home maintenance tasks in spring is changing the air filters in your HVAC system. Over time, air filters can become clogged with dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, reducing the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. By changing your air filters regularly, you can improve the air quality in your home and ensure that your HVAC system operates efficiently. According to Forbes “You can improve the air quality inside of your home and use less energy by changing the HVAC filter... Clean filters let more air pass through, allowing the system to heat and cool more efficiently.”
Not changing air filters: Over time, clogged air filters can reduce your HVAC system's efficiency, causing it to work harder to heat or cool your home. This can result in higher energy bills and premature wear and tear on your HVAC system components.
Check Your Hot Water Heater
Your water heater works hard year-round to provide you with hot water for showers, baths, and household chores. However, it's easy to overlook this essential appliance regarding spring maintenance. Take the time to inspect your hot water heater for any signs of leaks or corrosion, and consider flushing the tank to remove sediment buildup. This simple maintenance task can extend the life of your hot water heater and prevent costly leaks and repairs.
Neglecting the hot water heater: Failure to inspect your hot water heater could lead to unnoticed leaks or corrosion, which may worsen over time and eventually result in water damage to your home. Additionally, sediment buildup in the tank can reduce the heater's efficiency, leading to higher energy costs. At Vision Realty & Management, not having hot water in your property will be addressed through maintenance, and we will promptly arrange for someone to attend to resolve the issue. We prioritize your needs as a tenant, and ensuring that you have hot water is paramount.
Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements, so it's crucial to inspect it regularly for signs of damage. Spring is an ideal time to inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing, and other issues that could lead to water leaks and structural damage. Timely reporting is crucial. If you notice something strange about your roof, it's best to inform the landlord, even if it’s something not immediately worrisome. Sometimes, what the tenant perceives as a minor leak could be indicative of a more severe underlying issue.
Skipping roof inspection: Ignoring roof maintenance can result in undetected damage, such as loose or missing shingles or damaged flashing. If left unchecked, these issues can lead to water leaks, which may cause the rotting of wood structures, mold growth, and even interior water damage.
Check Your Gutters
Clogged gutters pose serious risks, including water damage to your home's foundation, siding, and landscaping. Even if it's your landlord's responsibility to ensure the gutters are cleaned regularly (frequency and timing are largely dependent on your area or the type of home), tenants should aim to check for signs that their gutters need cleaning or watch out for evidence of damage and leakages that could be caused by blocked or damaged gutters.
Ignoring gutter cleaning: Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and accumulate around your home's foundation, leading to basement flooding, erosion of landscaping, and damage to siding. Neglecting gutter maintenance can result in costly repairs to your home's exterior and foundation.
Clean All Vents
As spring arrives, it's crucial to prioritize cleaning all vents in your home to maintain safety and efficiency. Lint buildup in the dryer vent poses a significant fire hazard, making regular cleaning essential for preventing potential disasters. Additionally, grime accumulation in kitchen vents above the stove and hood not only affects air quality but also diminishes appliance efficiency. By tackling these tasks during spring cleaning, you can ensure a safer living environment and reduce the risk of fire hazards.
Moreover, cleaning vents enhances appliance performance and longevity. Clogged vents force appliances to work harder, increasing energy consumption and accelerating wear and tear on components. By keeping vents clear of debris, you can optimize appliance efficiency, save on energy costs, and extend the lifespan of your appliances, ultimately making spring cleaning a worthwhile investment in your home's safety and functionality.
Conclusion
By taking the time to address these commonly forgotten home maintenance tasks this spring, you can ensure that your home remains safe, comfortable, and efficient throughout the season. Don't wait until it's too late, start tackling these tasks today to avoid potential problems down the road. You can also check out our green recommendation to save money in our blog: Sustainable Practices for Tenants: How to Go Green and Save Money.
Are you looking for your perfect rental home? Look no further! We've got an array of great properties waiting for you in Atlanta and West Georgia. To explore our listings, just click here. Your dream rental might be just a few clicks away—start your search with us today! Choosing Vision Realty & Management as your tenant partner goes beyond finding a place to live; it's about embracing a lifestyle where community, convenience, and quality intersect. Reach out to us at leasing@visionwestgeorgia.com with any questions.
Bibliography:
https://youtu.be/4GvI55Of41M?si=yxOrbZlk1bd7q0tB
https://www.frontdoor.com/how-to-tips/articles/tips-for-spring-time-home-maintenance
https://www.puroclean.com/blog/6-essential-spring-home-maintenance-tasks/
https://www.groundworks.com/resources/spring-maintenance-checklist/