Minnesotans may feel that discussing spring in March is premature, or even presumptuous. But at the risk of jinxing it, we’re (at least somewhat) confident spring is on its way. Besides, even if spring is still an all-too-distant memory, it never hurts to be prepared for it. Preparing for spring helps us feel like it’ll really be here. Someday.
Yet another good reason to prepare for spring: there’s a surprising amount to do! Here are 8 of the best spring preparation tips we could come up with. Get all these done this March, and you’ll be more than ready to have a happy, healthy spring. You know, if it ever comes.
RECONNECT DOWNSPOUTS
Between melting snow and april showers, spring is the wettest time of year. All that water helps bring the world back to life after its extended slumber, but it can present problems too. If the water on your roof doesn’t have anywhere to run off to, it could damage your home.
Winter weather is hard on the outside of your home. Wind and snow frequently knock downspouts around, occasionally disconnecting them from the home altogether. Walk around your home and reconnect any downspouts that were disconnected over the winter. Make sure they’re clear of clogs or blockage while you’re at it.
CLEAR GUTTERS
Everything we said about downspouts counts double for gutters. Snow, dead leaves, yard debris, and all kinds of other stuff may clog your gutters over the winter. Clogged gutters stop water from flowing the way it should, which can lead to serious property damage. Clean out your gutters to make sure rain and melted snow move away from your home the way they should.
UNCOVER STORM DRAINS
Ultimately, all the water draining away from your home ends up in a couple places. It’s either redistributed throughout the yard at a safe distance from the foundation or it’s headed down a storm drain. Storm drains are typically located on the road outside your home and lead directly to the sewer.
Excess water enters storm drains. These drains then safely deposit it into the municipal sewer system. If your storm drain gets blocked, however, all the water headed toward it won’t have anywhere to go. All that water could result in flooding, sunken ground, or even property damage. Make sure to clear any winter debris away from your storm drain, so it can do its important job!
PUT ON WINDOW SCREENS
Putting on your window screens is kind of a pain, but it’s worth getting done early. The sooner you put on your screens, the sooner you can start enjoying the fresh air! Keeping windows open in spring and summer is a great way to keep your home’s air fresh and clean. Just pick a (relatively) warm weekend morning and get it out of the way. You’ll be glad you did!
CLEAR YARD CLUTTER
When the snow finally melts in your yard, it tends to leave behind clutter. Trash, twigs, dead plants, and all sorts of other stuff accumulates in snow over the winter. When the snow disappears, all that stuff winds up in your yard.
Not only is spring clutter unsightly, it also attracts pests and wildlife. You don’t want that. Take some time to de-clutter your yard as soon as the ground is dry enough to walk on.
DEHUMIDIFY
Spring is a humid time of year. All the moisture from melting snow and rainfall hangs in the air, ready to create condensation on windows, pipes, and even walls. Humidity attracts pests like nothing else, and it can also damage furniture and property.
Starting in spring, pay close attention to your home’s indoor humidity, especially in the basement and attic. Consider investing in a dehumidifier for any problem areas. Controlling your home’s humidity is one of the best ways to stay comfortable and happy this spring.
REPLACE FILTERS
Your HVAC and air exchanger filters need periodic replacing, and spring is the perfect time to do it. As flowers and plants come back to life, common allergens like pollen and mold spores take to the air in force.
If your air filters are clogged with a winter’s worth of pollutant, they won’t be able to keep those allergens out. Nobody wants to start their spring with puffy eyes and a runny nose, so replace those filters ASAP!
SERVICE THE AC
If you really want to feel prepared for the year to come, why not have your AC serviced? Having a professional service your HVAC is possibly the best way to prepare for any weather fluctuations to come. Not only will you have AC and heat when you need it, you’ll know you’re covered, no matter what happens.
Need some help preparing your home’s heating, cooling, or air for spring? No problem! Just give Blue Ox a call anytime. Our experts are always happy to help you spring into spring. Honestly, it helps us pretend the weather’s going to warm up soon… so thank you!
