Winter is coming to an end. The weather is warming and the sun is shining. Now is the time to get stuck into the list of things that need to be done around the home as we come out of hibernation. Spring is just around the corner. Check off the maintenance list below.
1. Gutter cleaning and downpipes
Clogged gutters can cause overflow and blockages to downpipes. Water ingress into the roof and wall cavities could be a costly experience.
- Cleaning gutters on a regular basis will prolong the life of the guttering, as the corrosive sludge is removed more frequently. The downpipes are checked for blockages and cleared, making sure the water can get away from the roof.
- Roof damage is minimised, as the debris is removed when a gutter clean is completed. Debris left to sit on a roof or in the valleys can cause premature deterioration of the roof.
- You can use gutter guards to help maintain your gutters but you still have to clean them. It’s usually more of a nuisance than it is worth.
- You can hand clean your gutters yourself but it’s worth getting in professionals to clean your gutters and debris, as your safety is something to be considered too. Gutter-Vac Northern and Southern Tasmania have certificates to work safely at heights and are fully insured.
2. Do you have any drains and sump pits that need checking?
These areas fill up with leaves and dirt over winter. Making sure they are cleared and able to remove the groundwater will ensure that a build-up does not occur and cause damage to the house foundations.
Remove the covers over the drains and pit, clean out the material laying here and run water to the drains to make sure the pit does not fill with water and drains properly.
Add this job to the gutter cleaning service when Gutter-Vac Northern and Southern Tasmania come.
3. Window Maintenance
Over winter, the windows get condensation on them each morning. The moisture can cause constant dampness in the room. Wiping the windows and sills each day will help keep the mould and mildew at bay. Using items such as a moisture absorber and desiccant can help to eliminate problems like mildew and dampness. Washing the windowsills to remove the mould and mildew collected over winter will give the room a fresh feeling.
4. Cleaning dryer vents
Over winter the dryer has probably had more use. Dryers can be a fire hazard due to the lint build-up. Make sure to remove lint from the vents each year and regularly remove the lint from the filter. This also improves the efficiency of the dryer.
The vent is usually at the back of the dryer but if you have trouble locating it, check your user manual. Unscrew from the wall and gently remove any lint. Just brushing the inside walls of the vent piping will loosen the lint, to be blown out when next using the dryer.
5. Chimney/Flue Cleaning
It depends on when you get your chimney/flue cleaned, before winter or after winter. Scheduling a chimney/flue clean will ensure you get the work completed when you need it to be done. If you wait, you may find that your chimney/flue is blocked and cleaners may not have time to fit the work into their busy schedules. Blocked chimneys/flues can fill the home with smoke when opening the door to put wood on the fire. It makes it difficult to burn efficiently and could cause flue fires. Planning ahead will mean you can relax and enjoy the comfort and warmth a fire provides.
6. Yard Maintenance
Winter weather can prevent us from going into the yard to work. Now that the weather is improving, it is time to check potential problems, such as broken branches, slippery leaf matter on pathways and check watering systems to see if there are any splits or holes from freezing over winter.
7. Reverse cycle air-conditioning units
Be sure to clean the filter. The build-up of dust on the filter decreases the efficiency of the unit. Schedule a service for the unit to ensure that it is ready for the warmer months once summer begins.
8. Sealing drafts
Over winter, you will have found areas that cause drafts. With better weather, you can fix these spots in the house, eliminating them for the next season. Insulation installed in the walls and the ceiling will provide an added benefit to your home’s energy efficiency. Completing this work in spring will help to keep the house cooler in the warmer months.
