Spring is a great time to do an assessment of your home. This will provide you with a priority list of things to get done before next winter to help create the most healthy, energy-efficient, and durable home possible.
1. Water Management
- Check your roofing for damage – repair or replace as needed
- Check your gutter for proper slope and drainage
- verify your rain tanks or splash blocks are still in place and functional
- Check that your windows are in good shape
- Verify that the ground is sloped away from the foundation of your home
- Look for evidence of roof leaks inside your home and attic
- Look for evidence of water on basement walls
- Check all plumbing fixtures for leaks and drips
2. Landscaping
- Prune any dead branches on trees and bushes
- Plan your garden – add fertilizer and straw to keep out weeds and to grow strong plants
- sharpen your blades on your mower
3. Durability
- Document any new (or old unattended) cracks in your walls
- Document pealing paint that needs your attention
- Check to make sure the shutters are in good shape and fastened tightly to you home
4. Energy Efficiency
- Check your attic to determine if you need to add insulation – less than R-38 you should make this a high priority, less than R-72 you should consider adding more insulation
- Get your HVAC system maintenance contract in place
- Clean your Duct System
- Change your HVAC Air Filter
- Insulate your Hot Water Pipes
- Wrap your Water Heater in a blanket – drain it as recommended annually
- Repair any broken or missing weather stripping around doors and windows
- Repair any loose storm windows
- Schedule an energy audit to verify your homes air leakage and any changes that need to be made
- Establish a goal to stop using anything that has a smell (candles, air fresheners, dry cleaning, paint, cleaners) and find healthy alternatives.
- Open your windows when possible to air out your home
- Replace carpet with hardwood floors that meet indoor air quality standards
It is not a full list, but simply a list of things that I hope will help you before the hot weather gets here or the cold weather returns.
