Spring is considered a season of renewal, which naturally means it’s time for spring cleaning! From your home’s eavestroughs to your car’s cooling system, conducting seasonal maintenance on your home and car can save you money and prevent potential problems down the road. Spring is a great time to perform certain maintenance tasks, and our tips will help you get started. Note, it’s a good idea to consult a professional if you don’t have the proper tools or know-how to do the job yourself.
Inside your home
- Replace or clean your furnace filter. A dirty filter can lower the efficiency of the heating/cooling system, increasing costs and the risk of fire.
- Clean the cooking grease from your range hood and air filter to help prevent a kitchen fire.
- Inspect your electrical system and outlets. Look for burn marks on the main electrical panel, and trip and reset circuit breakers regularly.
- Get ready for summer by servicing your air conditioning system and dehumidifier. Use a qualified contractor or consult the owner’s manual for proper cleaning instructions.
- When it’s warm enough outside, have your fireplace or woodstove and chimney cleaned by a certified chimney sweep. Turn off the pilot in gas fireplaces.
- Check that all your smoke, carbon monoxide, and security alarms are working and replace batteries if necessary.
- Inspect your water heater for rust and leaks. Most water heaters only last 5-10 years, if your tank is getting older it can be a good idea to consider replacing it. If you have a gas heater, prevent carbon monoxide and other combustibles from building up in your home, by ensuring it’s venting properly. Light a match next to the air vent and wave it out (don’t blow it out). If the smoke doesn’t pull up into the vent, have a professional inspect it.
Outside your home
- Inspect brickwork, siding and stucco for chipping or cracking. If there’s water penetration, seal with an appropriate sealant.
- Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure they are still directing water away from the house.
- Check for roof damage. This includes missing, curling or cracked shingles. Water pooling on a flat roof may indicate low areas and inadequate drainage. From inside, look for signs of moisture or surface discoloration.
- If you have a sump pump, test it to make sure it’s operating correctly. If you don’t have one, spending a few hundred dollars on one could save you thousands in water damage, especially if your basement is finished. Consider a battery back-up pump, which will kick in if the electricity goes out. If you purchase a sump pump, advise your broker, as you may be eligible for discounts off your home policy.
For your car
- Clean your car- thoroughly on the inside and out. Vacuum the inside to remove salt and dirt and remove any unnecessary clutter.
- Test your car battery, as Canadian winters can lead to faster deterioration. Note: batteries usually need to be replaced every three to five years.
- Check your tires- Cold weather can reduce tire pressure, so ensure all tires (including the spare) are inflated to their recommended pressure, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s-side door). Ensure tires are properly aligned and balanced, in addition to inspecting them for tread wear and other damage. If you’ve been driving on winter tires, change them once you’re sure the snow is done.
- Inspect engine belts and hoses- Replace worn or cracked belts and, brittle or soft hoses. Even if they look fine, belts and hoses older than five years usually need to be replaced.
- Refill radiator fluids- Flush and refill the radiator according to the regular service schedule. Periodically check the coolant’s levels, conditions, and concentration (before removing the radiator cap, let the engine cool).
- Have your brakes checked- Proper brake inspection includes brake fluid, lines, hoses, linings and pads, and the handbrake.
Get a quote
Maintaining your home and car also means having the right up to date insurance coverage. To find insurance that’s right for you – and your budget – talk to your local BrokerLink broker about bundling your home and auto insurance.
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