The yearly, frenzied holiday season is long over. The hectic schedule of summer activities and social events is around the corner. And now, it’s about time to kick back and enjoy the cool spring air...
Well, not just yet. There still remain some important home maintenance tasks you should complete this spring in New Orleans. All the stuff you intended to do in the fall but never got around to!
You really should take care of these maintenance tasks now before summer hits hard. If you wait too long, harsh weather and busy contractors may make it even tougher to get these tasks done. Let’s take a look at several areas in your home that deserve a little attention this Spring.
AC System
Even though the weather is still mild, one of the first home maintenance tasks you should complete this spring in New Orleans, is to thoroughly check out your AC system – for both efficiency and safety reasons. February or March is probably the best time to make sure of your furnace’s optimal functioning.
The very first step is to replace the filter. And then a good second step is to clean ducts where you can (though this may require the services of a professional). Another recommended part of heating-system maintenance is to call in a professional to go over your the system to ensure optimal, as well as safe, performance. It’s better to catch small problems now before they turn into larger, costly – and HOT– ones later on.
Fireplace and Chimneys
Another important maintenance task is making sure your fireplace and chimney don’t present any safety hazards. You do want to enjoy that crackling fire in the winter with some peace of mind, don’t you?
Creosote build-up can present a safety hazard. If you’re not sure how to inspect for, and then clean, creosote build-up, you should probably use the services of an experienced chimney sweep. This would seem like something to do in the fall but there isn’t really a wrong time to do it and the chimney sweeps will be less busy in the spring and then you won’t have to worry about it again the rest of the year.
Water Lines
While they are technically inside your house, water-supply lines in exterior walls can be susceptible to freezing during cold snaps. Again this may seem like something for the fall but you can accomplish everything all the same in the spring. Just a little effort now can prevent hugely inconvenient and messy problems later this year in the heart of winter.
So let’s say the water lines for your kitchen sink are under the sink on an exterior wall (which is often the case). There are two things you can do, both of them fairly easy and inexpensive. Simply wrapping these supply lines with insulation designed for this purpose will be a definite freeze-prevention step. Even better would be to wrap those lines, if you have a convenient electrical outlet nearby, with heat tape.
Any exposed lines should also be wrapped and insulated. If you have a slab house that would usually be limited to the supply line from the city and any house spigots around the property. If you have a raised house then this could be more extensive but all the more reason to insulate them. It doesn’t freeze much around here but when it does it happens quickly so better to be prepared in advance.
Gutters and Downspouts
By now all of fall’s fallen leaves are long gone from the blustery winter winds, but even winter winds aren’t strong enough to clear out soggy gutters and downspouts. Over the long haul, that can be a costly oversight.
Clogged gutters and downspouts will cause water to back up and run down behind the gutters and onto the fascia board, leading to rot and eventual replacement. So before the spring rainy season hits, make sure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris and draining properly.
Roof
Of all home maintenance tasks, you should complete this spring in New Orleans, checking the roof is the one most often neglected. It’s also the most important.
Violent summer storms can force water into places on your roof (even uphill) where it would normally never get. Spring, then, is the time to check your roof for broken or missing shingles or tiles. Look for flashings that may need attention too. If you do detect any problems, it may be a good idea to call in a roofing contractor.
With these 5 home maintenance tasks you should complete this spring in New Orleans taken care of, you can now – with peace of mind and a sense of security – relax and enjoy. There are other things that can be done too but these will have you well on your way to a safe and secure 2024!