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The annual spring cleaning ritual is a tradition, and investors can go the extra mile to give their property a thorough inspection to reveal problems and prevent serious issues. It makes sense to check the home inside and out. Your property manager can make recommendations that you may not think about, like changing the filter on your vent hood.Spring is allergy season, and typical HVAC systems can be full of all kinds of allergens. Ask your property manager to maintain them by hiring a professional, or check them out on your own.

Spring is the time to give your investment unit a thorough cleaning to remove dust and allergens. Dust and vacuum ceiling fans, around windows and on top of kitchen cabinetry. Have the carpets cleaned to keep your residence clean and healthy, or rent the equipment and do the job yourself.

Spring is the time to examine your air conditioner in preparation for warm weather ahead. Change the air-conditioner filter, check hose connections to prevent leaks and take a look at the drain pans to see if they are draining properly.Dust can hamper the efficiency of the unit, so it is a good idea to vacuum dust that may have accumulated around the air conditioning unit and the connections. You may want your property manager to hire a professional to service your air conditioner on an annual basis to keep the system in top working order.

Check under bathroom and kitchen sinks for leaks and make sure all the connections on pipes and hoses are sealed properly. Dampness around the dishwasher and washing machine can indicate a problem. Don’t forget to check out all the faucets and look for clogged drains. Caulk the flooring, shower and tubs in the bathroom, and the counters in the kitchen.Give your hot water heater some attention as well. Corrosion may indicate that it’s time for a new one.

Change the filters on your water system and look into installing a whole house water filter. A whole house filter will provide a reliable, clean and safe water supply for cooking, drinking and bathing. Options for whole house water filters include reverse osmosis, distillation and filtration. You can ask your property manager to make a recommendation that suits your property.

We love the convenience of our clothes dryers, but many of us are unaware of the problems they can cause if not properly maintained. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that over 15,000 fires are caused by buildup of lint in the dryer vent. This situation can lead to reduced air flow and a backup of exhaust gases, creating a serious hazard. Hints that your dryer vent needs attention from a professional include the following:

Clean your windows with a soft cloth or squeegee, never a high pressure sprayer. Buy window cleaning solution or make it yourself with equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water, and add a splash of white wine vinegar. Remove screens and use a mild detergent to clean them. You will want to make sure you have a tight seal around your windows to prevent water and warm air from entering during the warm summer months ahead. Condensation on double and triple glazed windows indicates a problem with the seal. In that case, just the glass or the entire window may need replacement.

Attic spaces need a careful inspection to make sure there are no problems lurking that can lead to mold and attract insects like wasps, ants and termites. Proper insulation along with adequate ventilation can prevent mold. Spring is a good time to address the issue of humidity before the warm and humid summer months. Check for leaks after a rain.

Basements have a tendency to become damp. Look at the bottom of your poured concrete basement walls to see if any cracks have formed that may allow water to enter. If your basement is too humid you may need to install a dehumidifier. While you are down in the basement, take a flashlight to inspect wood framing for tunneling caused insects like termites. Call the exterminator right away if you see even a small problem.

Take a good look around after a heavy rain, and check for problems with gutters, walls and windows. Use binoculars to inspect the roof to see if there are any cracked shingles or popped nails that can allow water to get through. Inspect chimneys and exterior walls and look at the foundation. Pay special attention to the foundation. A professional can use an epoxy to fix cracks. Make sure your sprinkler system is working properly, and ask your gardener when it’s time for fertilizing and reseeding the yard.

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