Even though this past winter wasn’t all that bad, you have to be happy that spring is here. You may not be quite ready to do the “outside stuff” to prepare for warmer weather. But while you’re waiting, here are some things you can do inside the house.

  1. Clean:
    1. Walls, baseboards and outlet covers. Use a sponge or brush and mild soap and water. Make sure the outlet covers are dry before replacing them.
    2. Faucets and showerheads. Unscrew the faucet aerators, sink sprayers and showerheads, and soak them in equal parts water and vinegar for an hour. Then rinse them.
    3. The dryer vents. Disconnect the vent from the back of the machine and use a dryer vent brush to remove lint. For this activity, do go outside and remove the dryer vent cover and use the brush to remove lint from that end as well.
  2. Keep your indoor air fresh and pure:
    1. No smoking
    2. Bathe your pets
    3. Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to ventilate air
    4. Clean your bedding, drapes and other items
    5. Vacuum carpeting and rugs at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter
    6. Keep your hardwood and other hard surface floors clean
    7. Keep humidity between 30% and 50%
  3. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Change out the batteries if you need to and replace them if they are 10 years old.
  4. Get rid of the things you do not need. If they are in good shape, donate them.
  5. Replace damaged screen doors. Torn or damaged screens will let unwelcome insects into your home.
  6. Reseal window edges. Ice can cause window sealant to crack or break away. Resealing will prevent hot air from entering your home, both making your home more comfortable and cutting down on utility bills.
  7. Check your air conditioning unit. Have a professional check your AC unit sooner rather than later. If you need a new unit, better to take care of it now than wait for your unit to fail on a sweltering day.
  8. Inspect your water heater. Look for leaks on the floor and near the relief valve. And look for signs of corrosion. Also drain it (if you haven’t in the past 12 months) to remove excess sediment and minerals.