3 Tips for Spring Cleaning Florida Homes
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Spring is a time for rejuvenation. There’s positive energy in the air. The weather is getting warmer and the days grow longer. It’s the perfect time for people to reorganize and refresh their homes. Others are eager to get to work in the yard and garden. It’s easy to get caught up in the cleaning and planting, but it is also the time of the year for home maintenance. It’s a good idea to do both an indoor and outdoor spring cleaning check. After all, winter can be rough on your home, even in sunny Florida.
These tips can help.
1. Yard and Exterior
The first thing to do when thinking about outdoor spring cleaning is to look at your deck and/or balconies. Are there loose boards or railings, as well as any rot? You should repair loose spots as soon as possible, if there are any. You need to treat the deck every four to six years, also, to prevent deterioration.
Make sure that mulch and soil aren’t touching your home’s siding. This is the perfect time to check both your deck and siding for signs of:
- Rodents
- Roaches
- Termites
Clean your gutters and downspouts. The gutters need to be free of leaves and other muck. Look for any sign of damage, such as:
- Loose connections to the roof or holes
- Leaks along the length of the gutter
If there is damage repair it before the spring storms hit.
Lastly, trim tree branches and shrubs. They shouldn’t be hanging too close to your home or to utility wires. You should also remove any dead trees.
2. Roof, Siding, and Windows
The next outdoor spring cleaning tip is to look at your roof, siding, and windows. Start by looking for peeling paint. Paint is about more than just appearance. A good paint job will help protect against the effects of weather. Repaint anywhere that the paint has begun to peel.
Go into the attic next to check for signs of the roof leaking. Look for visible moisture or discoloration.
Check the roof for damaged shingles. This can include:
- Mildew
- Algae
If necessary, have a professional inspect and repair your roof for you.
You might want to check window and door sills for leaks, too. Properly sealed windows and doors will help prevent damage. They can also lower your energy costs.
3. Interior and Appliances
Finally, you need to check to an interior spring cleaning check. You need to look at your dryer exhaust hose and vent. Move the dryer and disconnect both ends of the hose. Lint can build-up in this area. This is a common cause of fires, so make sure to do a thorough job. Go ahead and clean exhaust fan outlets and screens. Check all your air filters and replace them if necessary.
Vacuum your refrigerator and freezer coils. This will help your unit run efficiently.
You should have an air conditioner tune-up every spring. It will get it out of the way before you’re at the height of the cooling season. During this maintenance visit, technicians will carefully:
- Inspect your air conditioner components
- Clean your air conditioner components
- Adjust your air conditioner components
Systems that are well-maintained are more energy efficient. They also have a longer lifespan with fewer repairs.
Lastly, examine your basement and/or crawlspace. Look for any signs of standing water or dripping. Water can lead to mold. Take action immediately, if needed.
These small checks and fixes will help keep you and your family safe. They can also save you costly repairs and homeowners insurance claims. Remember, when spring rolls around, there’s a lot do. Not just cleaning and changing your clocks. If you have more questions about spring maintenance for Florida homes, give us a call. We would love to help you out.