As the warmth of spring approaches, it’s easy to forget the damage that harsh winter weather may have done to your house. A bit of spring maintenance now can prevent costly repair bills later. Review these 12 tips for spring maintenance to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

1. Inspect your roof.
   Repair any damage caused by snow, ice, or wildlife to prevent leaks during spring storms.
2. Clean your gutters.
   Regularly check and clear debris from your gutters and downspouts. This will prevent water from over flowing and reduce the risk of water damage.
3. Prevent water damage.
   Check connecting pipes and hoses on all water appliances (e.g., dish- washers, laundry, sinks and toilets) for cracks, leaks or dampness. Check exterior hose bibs and nozzles. Repair and replace if necessary.
4. Repair cracks.
   Create a safer walking and driving area by fixing cracks in the driveway and sidewalk.
5. Clean up loose debris.
   Remove wood and leaf piles or any random items piled up against the house as they attract pests, reptiles, and insects while also potentially causing rot issues.
6. Check your smoke detector.
   Change the batteries in your smoke detector and test every smoke detector to ensure it’s working properly.
7. Stop leaks.
   Check the seals around your windows and doors for cracking or hardening caulk.
8. Beware of trees.
   Visually inspect trees for damage or rot. Remove dead or unhealthy trees, which could fall in heavy winds.
9. Clean the air conditioner.
   Clean or replace your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters. A dirty filter will force your system to work harder, which can be costly and inefficient.
10. Inspect wires.
    Check for frayed wires, loose outlets or cracked plugs. Make sure no cords or outlets are overloaded.
11. Touch up the lawn mower.
    Change the oil, air filter and spark plug on your lawn mower and sharpen/replace the blades. Refill with fresh non-ethanol fuel.
12. Test start your generator.
    Change oil, clean out old fuel, and put fresh non-ethanol fuel in to test start your backup generator to fix any potential issues before you need it for an emergency.