When the temperature warms up and the ice melts, it's a perfect time to do these spring home inspections and keep your property shipshape.
AC System
It may be a few months before you need your air conditioning system, but HVAC pro Keith Wortsmith advises that spring is the best time to inspect it. “Many companies offer discounts of around 10–20% due to lower demand, and in case your system turns out to be unrepairable, you’ll have plenty of time to replace it before the summer rush and summer high prices.”
This is a job for a pro, who will check electrical components and refrigerant levels, clean the coils and test system pressure. “These are things most homeowners don’t have the tools or experience to do correctly,” he says.
Filters and Condensate Lines
One of the first things air quality expert Rick Hoskins recommends to all homeowners is to inspect HVAC filters and replace them if necessary. The heating system runs constantly in the winter, and when the filters get clogged, it works less efficiently and fails to remove additional air contaminants. “Replacing filters,” he says, “is easy, affordable, and can definitely be done DIY.”
HVAC sales trainer Kim Lincoln also recommends checking the condensate lines and clearing them if necessary. “One of the most overlooked items is the condensate drain line,” she says. “If that small drain line becomes clogged, the system can shut down or cause water damage around the indoor unit. It’s a simple thing to check in the spring that can prevent a messy problem in July.”
Ductwork
While you’re at it, take a close look at exposed ductwork in the basement or attic. It’s all about maintaining good airflow, according to Lincoln. “Look for crushed sections, loose connections, or small holes. The inside of ductwork shouldn’t resemble the heavy lint buildup you’d see in a dryer vent.”
If you spot small leaks, you can usually patch them yourself with tape. Despite its name, duct tape isn’t the best choice for this repair. Aluminum foil tape will provide a longer-lasting, more secure seal.
Outdoor Condenser Unit
If you have a central AC system or heat pump, you have an outdoor condenser unit, and it’s vital for this to have good airflow. A heat pump was probably running all winter, but if you have an AC unit, you may have covered the condenser, and now is the time to uncover it. Either way, Brooke Greenwood of Carrier recommends removing debris/foliage and trimming back or clearing the area of shrubs or flowers that can restrict airflow to the unit. “Physically remove any leaves or other debris that has accumulated near the base of the unit or is clinging to the side of the unit.”
You should also check the level, because the soil may have shifted over the winter. “Even a slight tilt can affect long-term performance,” advises Lincoln.
Plumbing Leaks
If any pipes freeze in the winter, they start leaking and become problematic in spring. Plumber Brian Maffioli notes that freezing and thawing cycles over winter can weaken pipe joints, outdoor hose bibs, and shut-off valves. “We often find small leaks under sinks, around water heaters, and at exterior spigots that homeowners don’t notice until water usage spikes.”
Pipes that run through walls, attics and crawl spaces are particularly vulnerable. If you can’t see them because they’re covered up, look for signs of leaks, such as wet drywall, drips, puddles.
Sump Pump
“If there’s something you can’t skip at the end of winter,” says Wortsmith, “it’s testing your sump pump.” Besides thawing snow that seeps into the groundwater, spring also brings rain. In a basement vulnerable to flooding, that’s exactly the time of year when the sump pump needs to be in good working order.
“The main things to check are whether the sump pump actually turns on, whether the discharge hose is free of ice and other blockages, and it’s carrying water at least several feet away from the foundation.”
Foundation, Driveway and Walkways
By themselves, freezing temperatures and snow accumulation can be hard on concrete structures. Not only that, but driveways, walkways and patios can crack when the ground heaves during freezing/thawing cycles. Left unattended, these cracks can lead to leaks, potholes, and other costly problems.
A visual inspection is all you need to identify cracks that may have developed over the winter. You can fill small ones yourself, but major cracks may need professional attention.
Gutters, Downspouts, Roof and Siding
The envelope of your house has withstood snow and ice for all these months, and with the spring thaw comes the chance to find and fix the damage. Start with the gutters, says New Jersey roofer Aleks Krylov: “Check for clogs, sagging gutters, and loose downspouts. Ice can pull gutters away from the house. Gutters should drain water at least 5 feet away from the foundation.”
If it’s safe to walk on the roof, Krylov recommends looking for missing shingles, cracked shingles, or metal pieces that are loose. If the roof is steep, you may prefer to hire a pro for this. When it comes to the siding, look for loose panels, cracks, or gaps.
Sewer Line/Septic System
Don’t forget your sewer lines, warns plumber Robert Schwachenwald, because spring rain and root growth can expose weak spots in sewer lines. “Watch for slow drain and gurgling toilets or soggy areas in the yard.” You can DIY these visual inspections, but if you suspect a problem, you may need a pro to pinpoint the damage, using a camera.
If you’re on a septic system, do a walk-through of your drain field after everything thaws. Odors and soggy areas indicate where freezing has damaged pipes or impaired the soil’s ability to drain properly.
Pest Inspection
“It’s definitely a good idea to have a pest control inspection this time of year,” advises pest expert David Joles. “During winter, lots of pests make a home in and around your home. You may not even realize that, so it’s wise to have an inspection for that to make sure that as the weather starts getting warm, they don’t become more active in your home.”
Whether you need to check for pests specific to your area or do a general inspection, Joles recommends you hire a pro with the proper equipment and expertise. This is the best time to proactively employ control measures before the infestation gets harder to control.
About the Experts
- Keith Wortsmith is the President of Arkansas-based DASH Heating & Cooling, a family-owned company that has been in business since 1931.
- Rick Hoskins is the founder and CEO of Filter King. He equips contractors and homeowners in all 50 states with custom air filters for residences, commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, and industrial applications.
- Kim Lincoln is the National Sales Trainer at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. She is a third-generation HVAV professional with 25 years of industry experience.
- Brooke Greenwood is the Director of Product Management at Carrier. She has over two decades of experience in heating and cooling.
- Brian Maffioli is the founder and owner of Full Swing Plumbing, Heating & Air, which has been serving communities throughout Massachusetts since 2003.
- Aleks Krylov is the Founder and President at New Jersey-based Stern Gutters.
- David Joles has more than three decades of pest control industry experience. He is the Chief Operating Officer of PURCOR Pest Solutions.
- Robert Schwachenwald is the owner of Bizzy Bee Plumbing Inc., a North Carolina plumbing company serving the greater Triangle area.
