Tips for a happy, clean spring season!

Time for another REALTOR WORLD guest post: by Lisa Marcum from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Greenville, Ohio:

Maintaining a healthy home goes beyond dusting and vacuuming! Follow these tips to make sure your family and home are ready for a happy, clean spring season!

1. 1. Clean Gutters – Remove as much as you can with your hands (don’t forget the gloves of course!), then remove any leftover gunk with a garden hose. Shove the hose into the downspout to power out of the gooseneck bends. You will want to make sure your downspouts are channeling the water at least five feet from the foundation walls.

1. 1. Replace your Filters – Replace all filters including water, range hood, and air vent filters. These should all be replaced every 3-6 months, depending on the type of filter you have.

1. 1. Clean Out the Dryer Vent – A clogged dryer vent can be a fire hazard, especially with warmer weather right around the corner! Disconnect the vent from the back of the machine and use a dryer vent brush to remove lint. Outside your house, remove the dryer vent cover and use the brush to remove lint from the other end of the vent line. You will also want to make sure the vent cover flap moves freely!

1. 1. Keep Allergens Away – Keep dust, mold and pollen at bay by decluttering your home, checking pipes for leaks and keeping air clean!

1. 1. Check Foundation Vents – A house with a crawl space has vents along the foundation walls. These vents provide air circulation that helps  prevent excess moisture, mold growth, and critters from taking up residence underneath your home. Spring is a great time to clean out any collected leaves and other debris. This can be done by hand or with a shop vacuum. You will also want to repair any damaged screens to keep those little critters out!

1. 1. Test your Smoke Alarms – Testing your smoke alarms and CO detectors is cheap, only takes a few minutes, and could save you and your family’s lives! Don’t forget to change out the batteries as needed!

1. 1. Examine Roof Shingles – Some may have been lost or damaged during winter. Check for cracked, buckled, or loose shingles, as these will need replaced. If you have an older roof, you may want to start a budget for a replacement. The summer can really damage roof shingles.

1. 1. Move Firewood – If your firewood is stored near your home, it should be removed and stored at least 18 inches off the ground, and at least 2 feet from any structure!

1. Check Outside Faucets – Those cold winter days could have caused some freeze damage to your pipes. Turn your water on and place your thumb over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced.