Essential spring home maintenance tasks you can't afford to ignore

Spring is officially here and that means it's time to tackle those maintenance jobs that ensure your home is ready for the season," says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group. These chores are often put off until the last minute, but beware, you'll most likely regret the consequences of not doing them! 

What do you have on your maintenance checklist? Cleaning out gutters? Inspecting the roof for damage? Great. Those are two very important things to do throughout the year, but are you sure you have all your bases covered?

Here are some other important maintenance tasks you'll need to add to your spring clean list: 

Refrigerator coils

Can you recall the last time you moved your fridge away from the wall? It's time to do just that. When the refrigerator or condenser coils get clogged up with dirt, dust, pet hair, and cobwebs, your fridge uses more power to keep your food chilled, and because your compressor is working harder and longer than it should, it also shortens the life of your fridge. You can use a brush or vacuum cleaner to get rid of the dirt and be sure to add this to your checklist of annual maintenance jobs. 

Garage

The garage is a favourite dumping ground of many. All the things you don't have space for or don't want in your home get relegated to the garage at some point. Because it tends to be a 'shove in and forget' situation, it's important to inspect walls for cracks and dampness, clean the floor, and check for damage. Insects and critters love a messy space, so be sure to check and treat for those, too. Also remember to clean and oil your garage door hinges to avoid rust build-up. 

Sanitaryware 

In a country as water-scarce as South Africa, saving water should be top of everyone's list. Sometimes, however, you need to flush an unused toilet and run an unused bath or shower to remove and prevent the buildup of grime that can cause blockages. Showerheads should also be removed and cleaned regularly to help with water pressure and as such, consumption. 

Dryer vent duct

If you have a tumble dryer, make sure that you clean out the lint buildup after each cycle. Lint buildup reduces the efficiency of the dryer, increases energy consumption, and also poses a fire risk. Maintain the performance of your machine by keeping it clean. 

Stove hood

Of all the places you want to keep clean, the kitchen should top the list for hygiene reasons. Your stove hood, situated right above your stove, catches all the steam, smoke, grease, and splatter that comes from cooking. Because it is constantly in the firing line, an accumulation of grime and dirt builds up on the surface and filters the hood. Wash the hood with warm and soapy water and clean or replace filters regularly. 

Sometimes the upkeep can seem never-ending as a homeowner but doing these maintenance tasks will help you avoid costly repairs in the long run or even worse, having to sell your home at a discount. Regular maintenance means fewer home repairs and lower maintenance costs overall, while also helping the property retain and grow in value.

If you have any property-related questions, chat with an experienced Chas Everitt agent today.