05/07/2026
ā¼ļøSPRING HOME MAINTENANCE TIPSā¼ļø
1. Clean your dryer vent, not just the lint trap.
The NFPA reports roughly 2,900 home dryer fires per year, and failure to clean the vent is the leading contributing factor. Spring is a good time to pull the duct and clear it out.
2. Test your GFCI outlets.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (those outlets with the test/reset buttons) are required near water sources and should be tested monthly per the CPSC. Most homeowners never do it. Press the test button, confirm power cuts, then reset.
3. Flush your water heater.
Sediment buildup forces the heater to work harder and shortens its lifespan. The Department of Energy recommends flushing annually. A tank running full of sediment can cut efficiency noticeably and lead to premature failure.
4. Look at your gutters, but also your downspout extensions.
Gutters get the attention, but the extension matters more. Water discharged within 3 feet of the foundation is a common culprit in crawl space and basement moisture issues. Extensions should discharge at least 4 to 6 feet away.
5. Test your smoke and CO detectors.
The NFPA recommends testing monthly and replacing units every 10 years (smoke) and every 5 to 7 years (CO). Spring is an easy annual anchor point for this.
6. Inspect your crawl space v***r barrier.
In humid climates especially, a displaced or degraded v***r barrier lets ground moisture migrate into the structure. This drives mold growth, wood rot, and pest activity. Spring is peak season for this to become a problem.
