It's time to get ready for those spring chores, and while it's not fun, it is necessary to keep everything running smoothly. Here are a few important things you may want to get done before it is blistering hot outside.
Air
Replace the furnace/air-conditioner (AC) filter. If your filter has been in the furnace all winter (or longer), it is probably full of dust and ready to be changed. Also, have a technician check the air compressor outside so your AC is working on the first hot day.
In preparation to store the humidifier for the summer (summers in Chicago are humid enough!), be sure to clean and dry it. If moisture is left in the unit, mold will grow and blow throughout your house when you use the humidifier again next winter.
Check and test your smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detector. It is always a good rule of thumb to change the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings.
Water
Have your water heater drained and flushed. The sediments in the bottom of the tank can destroy your water heater. Flushing the tank will make it work more efficiently and last longer.
Check your sump pump switches to make sure they are turning on and off properly. Make sure the battery in the sump pump's back-up system is full of distilled water and is charging properly. The discharge pipes should also be checked for cracks and clogs.
Exterior
Clean your gutters and downspouts. Get the hose out and test the gutters to make sure they flow in the proper direction and the downspouts drain properly. Also, make sure your downspouts are diverted at least six feet away from your home. This helps prevent water from leaking into your basement.
Make a visual inspection of the roof while you are cleaning the gutters, and make any necessary repairs. Check flashings around chimneys and vent pipes. Make sure the attic venting is clear of obstructions.
Trim bushes and trees back from the house so limbs are not rubbing the roof or siding; Over time this could trap moisture against the house that will rot out the siding and window sills.
Turn on the hose bibs and check for leaks. In older homes, you will need to turn on the valve in the basement and then go outside and open the hose bib. If you have a newer home you will likely have frostless hose bibs and they usually do not have a shut-off valve.
Remove the storm windows and doors and install screens. Replace bad weather -- stripping and caulk areas that need it.
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