As the weather warms up, enjoying the sunshine isn’t the only thing you should be preparing for. Your home will need a little preparation too. Taking steps to prepare your home for the arrival of spring can protect it from damage and helps maintain energy efficiency.
Have your roof inspected: Winter snow and wind can damage your roof, leaving it vulnerable to leaks when during heavy spring rains. A professional can repair missing shingles and damaged chimney flashing, as well as spot developing problems you might overlook.
Inspect for and repair exterior damages: Make sure to check your foundation and exterior walls for cracks, stains and other damage. Cracks in your home’s foundation may require professional repair, but smaller cracks in your siding can be filled with epoxy. Water stains may indicate a problem with your gutters.
Have your chimney checked: If you enjoyed a few roaring fires during the winter, your chimney may have an accumulation of soot that should be removed by a professional chimney cleaner. A professional can also repair chimney bricks that have been cracked or loosened during winter storms. This kind of damage also puts your chimney at risk of collapsing.
Look over your pipes: In cold weather, pipes can develop cracks and leaks. Take a close look at all your accessible plumbing to be sure your pipes are undamaged. Early spring is also a good time to schedule your annual plumbing inspection.
Inspect your air sealing: Winter weather can harden and damage caulk both outdoors and indoors, leading to air leaks. If you find damaged caulk or you’ve noticed chilly drafts in your home, consider consulting with a professional about improving your home’s weatherization.
Schedule air conditioner maintenance: To maintain top efficiency and enjoy a long system lifespan, your air conditioner should be professionally inspected and cleaned every year. As spring nears, reputable A/C professionals will have busier schedules, so the earlier you schedule your inspection, the better your chance of grabbing a convenient appointment time.
To prepare your home for spring with an experienced professional, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning in the Lorain, Erie and Oberlin areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about maintenance tips and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area