10 Spring Maintenance Tips Los Angeles Homeowners Need to Know

Spring is just around the corner! And for many Los Angeles homeowners, it’s the perfect season to organize their space and deep clean their homes. But spring isn’t just for cleaning. There are a number of other important spring home maintenance tasks you need to take care of in the coming months to keep your home in optimal condition for the rest of the year.

1. Examine your roof.

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your roof, so spring is a good time to check for any lost or damaged shingles. Have a qualified roofer replace shingles that are cracked, loose, or damaged. They should also check for flashing around skylights and chimneys. If your roof is old or very damaged, then now is the best time to start planning for a roof replacement budget.

2. Clean and examine gutters.

When is the last time that you cleaned and checked your gutters? Spring is the perfect time to make sure they are clean and in working order. Pull any leaves or debris from the gutters and downspouts. If you notice that the gutters have pulled away from your home, reattach them. Test the gutters to ensure proper drainage by running a hose through them. If you notice leaks, be sure to seal them using caulk or epoxy.

3. Change your HVAC air filter.

Though you should be checking and changing your HVAC filter regularly, it’s easy to forget about this task when you’re bundled up in your home through the winter. Checking your air filter and replacing it when it’s clogged or dirty is one of the easiest spring maintenance tasks, yet it’s also one of the most important. Not only does changing your air filter help you improve indoor air quality, but it ensures that your HVAC system is running efficiently.

4. Check your insulation.

With energy costs rising, you should avoid energy waste as much as possible in your home. That’s why it’s important to check for cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and thresholds to ensure that no conditioned air is escaping. Caulk edges, fill cracks, and replace any damaged insulation to keep the cool air from escaping. You may also want to call in a professional to check for other areas where insulation may be inadequate.

5. Clean up your landscaping.

Winter tends to be one time of the year when Los Angeles homeowners neglect their yards. That makes spring the perfect time to clean up your lawn, flower, and garden beds. Pick up any debris or branches that may have found its way into your yard this winter. Pull out any weeds and use a rake or leaf flower to remove remaining debris. If you are planting new vegetation, be sure to fertilize and keep an eye on weed control throughout the rest of the year to keep your lawn looking fresh year-round.

6. Remove any obstructions from your exterior HVAC equipment.

Outside debris and vegetation can restrict your exterior HVAC equipment and keep it from performing optimally. Ideally, you should check your equipment at least once a month and remove any debris. If you have bushes or shrubs growing around the area, make sure that they are trimmed back at least two feet from the unit. This ensures that the AC can pull in the air that it needs to for temperature regulation within your home.

7. Inspect your deck and fence.

If you have a fence or deck on your property, now is the best time to inspect it for damage and safety issues. Wood decks and fences will deteriorate over time due to damage from moisture and insects. Inspect your deck and fence, looking for signs of water damage, loose nails and screws, damaged boards, and broken hardware. Repairing these elements as you notice them will help you maintain the appearance of your fence while ensuring year-round safety.

8. Take care of pest control.

Spring is the season when pests like to invade Los Angeles properties. It’s best to be proactive so that you don’t have to deal with pest issues and the hassle and damage they can cause. Find a local pest control company that you can trust and work to get on a preventative plan that helps you reduce the chances of bugs, mice, and other pests entering your home and causing damage.

9. Clean your carpets.

When is the last time you cleaned your carpets? Even if you vacuum regularly, your carpets can hold on to allergens, pet dander, particles, and other indoor pollutants that make it difficult for your family to breathe easy in your home. Getting professional carpet cleaning once a year can help kill the bacteria that are clinging to your carpet fibers and remove pollutants that are trapped deep in the carpets. Not to mention, it leaves your home looking clean and fresh.

10. Schedule a spring HVAC tune-up.

Spring is also the best time to schedule an HVAC system tune-up. Since your heater was working hard in the winter and your AC will be working even harder in the summer, spring is the perfect time to ensure that your HVAC system is clean, well lubricated, and working efficiently. Seasonal maintenance not only helps ensure that your system is working efficiently, but it is also a time when your HVAC technician can identify possible repair needs that may impact your home comfort.

Schedule Your Spring HVAC Tune-Up

Now that spring is here, it’s imperative that you schedule your seasonal HVAC tune-up. Maintenance is the best way to keep your system working optimally and be proactive about repair needs. During your tune-up, one of our experienced HVAC technicians will clean your system, lubricate its parts, and check for any repair needs. If your AC needs a repair, we will take care of it now before it turns into a bigger, more costly issue. Contact us today to schedule your spring HVAC tune-up. (And don’t forget to ask about how you can save some money with our HVAC maintenance agreements!)