This time of year, you move your coats and hats to the back of the closet and bring “white” and “beige” shoes back into the rotation. Ahhh, spring! Spring preparations shouldn’t stop in your closet- your home needs some sprucing up, too. Regular maintenance preserves the value of your home and ensures that minor problems won’t become major ones. Keep these reminders handy; spring is just days away!

Inspect your Home

Winter weather can lead to water heater leaks or corrosion, worn out furnace filters, damaged roofs and dirty gutters. Manufacturers often recommend professional inspections on heating and air conditioning systems, so make sure your inspections are current.

Inspect your Yard

Snowstorms and hail result in dead trees and limbs. Remove any plant life that has fallen victim to winter weather and keep healthy plants trimmed and away from utility wires. (Check back next week for a more through list of spring gardening suggestions!)

Safety First

Inspect your smoke detectors and make sure you have one on each floor of your home. Let fall and Spring Daylight Savings serve as a reminder to test and change the batteries as needed. Keep a filled fire extinguisher accessible and ensure that each member of your household knows where the extinguisher is located and how it is used. Repair any cracks in your driveway or walkways that may create hazards with uneven walking surfaces.

Go Green

Free lint, dust, and small pieces of material from the exhaust duct on your clothes dryer. Clear, open ducts allow your dryer to run more efficiently and reduce fire hazard. Replace any old light bulbs with new, energy efficient CFL bulbs, which pay for themselves in about 6 months and save you $30 in electricity over the life of the light bulb. Use kitchen staples like vinegar, baking soda, and hot water while spring cleaning and trade paper towels for reusable micro-fiber cloths and sponges.
 

Puritan Financial Companies is a diversified financial services firm specializing in helping people from their peak earning years through retirement to secure their financial future. Visit Puritan Life Insurance at www.puritanlife.com. The information contained in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or investment advice.