Are you ready for spring?

Many of us have been looking forward to the warmer weather after the extreme cold and snowstorms of the past few months.

We’ve had a few sunny days recently, when the temperature has risen above freezing and the birds have all come out, and it has us thinking about the coming season.

But before we get caught up in thoughts of how we will be spending our spring, we need to make sure we schedule in some important home maintenance. The thaw is coming, and it is best to be prepared.

Here is a quick home maintenance checklist to help you get your home ready for spring:

1. Check the attic

After all the cold and snowy weather, it is a good idea to inspect your attic. Look for water damage and signs of a leaky roof, and make sure there are no issues with ventilation.

Winter is the worst season for pests and animals, so be sure to look for nests or holes that indicate the presence of birds, mice, squirrels, and other critters.

2. Service the AC unit

It is a good idea to check your external AC unit annually to make sure that it is running as efficiently as possible and that you maintain a healthy indoor environment.

Debris and dirt can easily get trapped in and around the unit during the cooler months when it is not in use. Hire a heating and cooling technician to service the unit, and clean out the coils.

Remember to regularly replace your interior filters as well.

3. Check the gutters

Even if you cleaned out your gutters before winter, it is a good idea to inspect them again in the spring to look for any damages or blockages caused by all the ice and snow.

While you are at it, do a quick visual inspection of your roof, flashing, and chimney to make sure that everything is in good shape.

4. Clean around the house

You know that stack of firewood, toys, and furniture beside your house? It is a fine idea to keep it there during the winter to shelter it, but you should move it away before the weather warms up.

The wood is damp, and the other items can hold pools of water, all of which make perfect breeding grounds for insects.

Place the wood on a raised surface away from the house. And clean and dry all of the toys and furniture before putting them in their proper place.

5. Check the sump pump

If you have a sump pump, you will want to check that it is in good working order before all of the snow starts to melt. There will be a lot of water in the ground as it thaws, and more to follow as spring rains arrive. The last thing you want is flooding around your foundation.

6. Inspect the deck

Clean and seal your deck, if needed, before the rain causes more damage to the wood.

A well-sealed deck should cause water to bead and pool for long periods of time. If this does not happen, then the water is getting into your deck and you should touch it up.

7. Check hoses and faucets

When you go to turn your external faucets on, make sure that there is no freeze damage to the pipes. Turn on the water and hold your thumb over the faucet opening. If you can prevent the flow of water, then there may be a problem with the pipe.

Look for dry rot in the hoses as well before you hook them up.

Additional tips:

• Inspect concrete and foundations for cracks caused by freezing and expanding water
• Look to see if windows and doors need recaulking
• Clean your smok detectors and replace the batteries
• Remove any lint from the dryer exhaust
• Have the fireplace cleaned