Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Spring is here but our crazy Mid-Atlantic weather has us second guessing with the recent cold weather. But as daylight savings time has settled in and our days are getting longer and warmer, we are anxious to get outside. Before spring gets away from you, take a moment to ensure your home is summer ready by completing this checklist. Feel free to save this image or print the page for your honey-do-list!
1. Check all outdoor outlets to make sure they are working properly.
Chances are you haven’t been spending a lot of time working on the outside of your home during the colder months. The last thing you need when you’re ready to dust off the power tools for an afternoon project is a dead exterior power outlet. Moisture and debris from the fall and winter seasons can accumulate in your outdoor receptacles even when they are covered. Take time to clean and test them ahead of time. If you see any signs of damage or discoloration, have it inspected by a professional right away.
2. Check your home’s exterior electrical fixtures such as lights and fans.
Your home’s siding and trim are not the only things that can take a beating from the elements. Your outdoor lights, fans, and other fixtures are also susceptible to damage from heavy winds, rain, snow, and ice. If you see any signs of damage, especially to the power cords or other protective parts of the unit, have it repaired or replaced.
3. Inspect your home’s electrical panel.
The electrical panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. Since it’s possible some circuits went unused in the winter it’s important to make sure that it is working properly and that there are no signs of wear or loose hardware. If you notice any breakers tripping repeatedly, discoloration or other issues have it inspected by a professional right away.
4. Check your air conditioning.
Before it’s warm enough outside to need your air conditioner for the first time this year, make sure it is working correctly. Check your thermostat to be sure it is reliably switching the A/C on and off. If the Air Conditioning unit is easily accessible, visually inspect to confirm it isn’t excessively dirty or holding leaves inside. If it needs to be cleaned or otherwise serviced, contact a professional to handle it. Never attempt to work on a A/C unit yourself due to the risks of electrical shock, hazardous compressed gasses, and dangerous high-powered fans.
5. Have your ducts cleaned.
Dirty ducts can lead to a variety of problems in your home, from decreased energy efficiency to indoor air quality issues. If it’s been a while since your ducts were cleaned, now is the time to have it done.
Taking care of these simple tasks now will help ensure that your other spring projects and activities can go off without a hitch. And don’t forget to contact a Sansbury Electric if you have any questions or need any residential electrical repairs done in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Sansbury Electric is a full service, licensed and insured electrician with headquarters in Maryland that can help you with all your electrical needs. Give us a call today for a free quote!
6. Check interior light fixtures.
While you’re at it, check all the light fixtures inside your home. Dust off and inspect the fixture while it’s off. If any have cracked shades or old florescent bulbs, replace them now. The last thing you want is a flickering light when guests are over.
7. Check flashlight batteries.
No matter how well you maintain your home, there’s always the possibility of a power outage. Be prepared by keeping a few flashlights around the house. It’s also important to check the batteries every season even if they aren’t used much. And if you have young children, make sure they know where the flashlights are and how to use them properly.
8. Check window screens.
As the weather gets warmer, you’ll probably start opening your windows more often to enjoy the fresh air. But before you do, take a few minutes to check your window screens. Make sure they fit snugly in the frame and that there are no tears or holes that could let bugs inside.
Sansbury Electric is a small, locally-owned business, with over 30 years of experience that have served Washington, D.C, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware since 2010. Our team is known for our high-quality electrical services with a team that delivers a client focused experience. Honesty, ease for the client, friendliness, and an on-time and on-budget experience are the core values that drive our day-to-day interactions.