Let’s be honest – most of us know about spring cleaning inside our homes. Wash the windows, deep clean the carpets, and maybe even organize the garage. But there are some crucial maintenance tasks you might have missed.
These hidden heroes of home maintenance often get overlooked, but skipping them could lead to bigger problems down the road. Let’s go over some of the maintenance to-dos that RVI’s owner, Sam Hartmann, recommends you add to your list, especially because they will help maintain your home’s energy efficiency.
Check Your Bathroom Exhaust Fans
The exhaust fan in your bathroom is doing more than just clearing steam after your shower. It’s protecting your home from moisture damage, mold, and mildew. It even removes stale air and airborne toxins from your home. But here’s what most people don’t know: You need to clean both the grill and the motor.
Here’s why:
- The grill (that’s the cover you see) collects dust and debris
- The motor behind it gets gunked up, too
- Dirty fans work harder and die faster
- Poor airflow leads to moisture problems and unhealthy homes
Here’s what to do:
- Turn off the power
- Remove the grill (usually just squeeze the metal clips)
- Wash the grill in warm, soapy water
- Vacuum the motor area carefully or remove the motor assembly (if possible) to clean
- Use compressed air to blow out any stubborn dust
- Check that the fan spins freely
Check All Exterior Intakes
Your house needs to breathe, and your intake grills and exhaust vents are its lungs. After winter, they all need a good check-up!
Blocked vents make appliances work harder, and poor ventilation wastes energy. It’s important to check all of your exterior intakes and exhaust vents because of larger potential problems, such as clogged dryer vents (fire hazards) and blocked furnace vents (carbon monoxide problems).
You will need to check all your furnace intake vents, water heater intake vents, dryer exhaust vents, and kitchen exhaust vents to make sure they are clean, clear of debris, and functioning properly.
Common problems:
- Leaves, debris, pollen, and dust blocking vents
- Snow and ice damage from the winter
- Bird or insect nests
- Damaged covers
- Loose connections
Complete a Roof Inspection
Now that all the snow is finally melting, your roof needs attention. Specifically, we’re concerned about the drainage. Look for:
- Loose or damaged materials
- Debris buildup
- Ice damage from winter
- Proper drainage away from the foundation
- Sagging gutters
- Debris in gutters
- Disconnected downspouts
These are the key areas to inspect – to name just a few!
- Wall intersections where roof meets house
- Valleys (where two roof sections meet)
- All penetrations (pipes, vents, chimneys, caulking, flashings)
- Rubber boots around pipes
- Gutters and gutter guards
- Downspouts
Pro tip: Clean out debris carefully. Even with gutter guards, stuff gets through. Make sure downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from your foundation.
Don’t Put Off Your Spring Home Maintenance
t’s not always pretty, but home maintenance is important. Take a couple of hours over the next few weekends and knock out this checklist. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you!
Wondering if it’s time to call in a professional? Here’s when you might want to find a local handyman or other expert:
- If you’re not comfortable on ladders
- When you find damage you can’t fix
- If mechanical parts aren’t working right
- For annual inspections of complex systems
Remember, these often-forgotten tasks can save your family money in the long run. Regular maintenance can prevent bigger problems and keep your home running efficiently!
