As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and with the arrival of May, it’s the perfect time to ensure your home is prepped and primed to welcome the warmer months ahead.
Houselogic.com has numerous checklists and tips, from sprucing up the garden to deep cleaning overlooked areas. Here are seven of my favorite must-do home maintenance tips for this spring:
Inspect, clean AC units
Before the heat of summer sets in, ensure your air conditioning units are in tip-top shape. “Tune up your AC in April, before the mercury and service rates rise,” Kelley Walters from Houselogic.com suggests. Replace or clean air filters, check for any debris obstructing airflow and consider scheduling a professional inspection if your system hasn’t been checked in a while. This not only enhances efficiency but also extends the life of your units.
Check the roof, gutters
Spring rains and storms can leave a lot of residue in your gutters, especially here in the South. Remove any leaves, twigs or debris to prevent water buildup and potential damage. Also, take a moment to inspect your roof for any damage like missing, loose, or cracked shingles. Early repairs can prevent costly fixes later down the road.
Revitalize your lawn
May is ideal for getting outside and giving your lawn a little TLC. Aerate to allow nutrients to reach deep into the roots. Overseed bare patches and begin a regular mowing and trimming routine. Leave at least one to 3 inches of grass above the root so the grass can absorb enough water to combat the heat. And if you need to water your grass, the best time is early morning, before the temperature rises.
Prepare your garden
Prepare your garden for the planting season by clearing out dead plants or weeds, turning the soil to refresh the nutrients and adding any needed fertilizer. Plant your seeds or starter plants after the last frost. Research which plants do well in which zones and the types of sun in which they grow best. Also, consider adding mulch to help retain moisture during the upcoming hot southern months.
Deep clean windows, screens
Take advantage of the longer and brighter days by cleaning your windows and screens. Remove and wash the screens with soapy water and inspect them for any tears to repair. A mixture of vinegar and water works well for a streak-free shine for windows. Don’t forget to clean the window tracks and sills, which can accumulate a lot of dirt. This would also be a great time to check for any issues when opening and closing your windows and repair or replace them.
Service your lawn equipment
Your lawn mower, trimmer and other gardening equipment will likely see a lot of use in the coming months. Walters advises you to replace spark plugs and the air filter, change the oil, sharpen the blades, and fill the tank with fresh gasoline. Before you slip on those gardening gloves and get deep into gardening, check that all of the equipment is clean, the blades are sharp, tools are lubricated, and the oil is changed. Proper maintenance ensures safer and longer use.
Declutter and donate
We refer to this as “spring cleaning” for a reason. Take a day to go through your house and declutter. Separate items to keep, donate or throw away. A clutter-free home feels more spacious and welcoming. This is also the time to tackle that garage or lawn shed before it gets too hot. Donating items you no longer use can also be a great way to help out those in need.
By following these tips, you’ll not only enhance your living space but also potentially avoid any major repairs during the summer. May is a month of renewal and getting these tasks done can provide a fresh start to the season! That’s Who We R.
Founded in 1912, Greater Chattanooga REALTORS is the voice for real estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with more than 2,700 members, Greater Chattanooga REALTORS serves Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. The association is one of approximately 1,100 local associations and board of REALTORS nationwide that comprise the National Association of REALTORS. Greater Chattanooga REALTORS owns and operates a Multiple Listing Service that is one of approximately 600 MLSs in the country and that services more than 3,000 users. Local association membership is comprised of REALTORS servicing the Greater Chattanooga area and specializing in a variety of disciplines, including appraisal, commercial, industrial, land, multi-family, property management and residential. Working alongside REALTORS are our affiliate members, who represent related industries in sympathy with the objectives of the association. Our affiliate members include mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title and closing services, pest inspection and control and insurance.