A lot of us will be embarking on a little Spring cleaning in the coming month. The days are longer and it's finally starting to get warm enough that you can open the windows and let some fresh air into your home or apartment. For some, spring cleaning comes naturally, but if you're anything like me, you don't know where to start.
Whether you're a natural, or need some help to make sure you get every knook and cranny sparkling here's a list of things that you might want to add to your annual cleaning ritual.
Flood Prevention Home Check-up
If you live in Edmonton, take advantage of their complimentary Flood Prevention Home Check-up. This is a one on one complimentary home inspection. Get details on the City of Edmonton website.
Sump Pump Maintenance
Keep your basement from flooding by ensuring that you're sump pump is pumping water out of your house. Your sump hose may have ice built up in it blocking water from being pumped out of your house, especially if your hose is still buried under snow. If you suspect that your hose is blocked, detach it and attach a fresh dry hose. If you don't have another hose, lay your blocked hose in the sun until the blockage melts. Re-attach the hose when the blockage is cleared. Ensure that your pump is running and pumping water away from your home.
Change your Furnace Filter
You may want to wait until the street sweepers have cleaned up all the dust and debris on the roads around your house, but the spring is a great time to change your furnace filter.
Call a Chimney Sweep
Spring is the best time to get your chimney clean. You shouldn't have any problem getting an appointment at this time of the year. Take care of it now and you'll be all set to have a fire when the snow comes again in a few short months.
Clean your Dryer Vent
Over time lint builds up in your dryer vent and hose. If you vent is clogged it makes it harder for your dryer to work and creates a fire hazard.
Clean Your Gutters
It may be a little early to get in and clean our those eaves troughs just yet, but as soon as the ice melts in your gutter, clean them out. You can hire this out or do it yourself, but remember to be careful on your ladder if you're doing it yourself. You should also extend your downspouts to make sure water is being directed away from your foundation and your sump doesn't have to work too hard.
Inspect your Air Conditioner
You may not know this, but some people in Alberta actually do have air conditioning. If you do have an AC, now is the time to clean or replace your filters. If it's been a while you may want to have a technician in to do some routine maintenance.
Review Your Home Insurance
At Armour, we review your home insurance at renewal time, we'll call you if we see anything that you might want to look at, but feel free to give us a call at anytime during the year with any questions. That's what your insurance broker is here for.
780-475-0959
