Shedding Your Home's Winter Status! - Part 1

Now that Spring has officially arrived, are you feeling you need to 'unbutton' that winter coat, and shed the Winter status forced upon your home a few (long) months ago?

Here are some simple tasks to freshen your home and prepare for warmer days ahead:

• Bring on the AC! Well not quite yet, but in preparation for the cooling season, remove the cover from your a/c condensing unit at the side or rear of your home checking to make sure the fuse or breaker disconnect is set to the ON position. This will ensure your system is energized properly the first time you want to use it.
• Bring the patio furniture out of storage. You will want to wash down the frames and refresh those cushions. Don't forget the patio umbrella with anchor mechanism. Now's a good time to ensure it opens and closes easily.
• Sweep or wash off the deck/patio area. If you're really ambitious, rent a power washer from a nearby rental store. It's inexpensive and easy to do.
• Wash those windows. Washing windows goes a long way to giving that Spring sense of refreshment. Just looking through clean windows at the radiant midday sun gives one renewed hope!
• Are you ready to focus on the flower boxes? Adding or replacing new garden soil will guarantee beautiful blooms this July.
• Don't forget to clean or vacuum your whole house fan if you have one. You might first need to remove the cover within the attic. You should be able to vacuum from the interior of the home using a step stool. As a reminder, always use caution when on any ladder type device.
• Freshen your entryway. Lastly, if you're really brave, have you considered maybe repainting your front door a bold, yet tasteful and inviting color? It might just be that accent you've been looking for.

So, welcome to Spring! As you're working through your list, be thinking about all those guests you've been wanting to invite over, knowing when they come, they'll be very comfortable in their surroundings.