Spring Property Maintenance

Spring is just around the corner! Now is the time to start planning spring maintenance projects for your property to ensure the value of your investment. At LM Construction and Mechanical, we recommend these 12 annual maintenance projects to keep your property value up and your emergencies down.  Read more details about the tips below our recommended list.

1. HVAC Evaluation

2. Roof Inspection

3. Clear the Area around your AC Compressor

4. Drain your Water Heater

5. Check your Gutters and Foundation Vents

6. Clean Exterior Surfaces

7. Fix Cracks in your Walls, Walkways and Driveways

8. Repair Cracked Paint, Stain or Sealer

9. Check Seals around Windows and Doors

10. Vacuum your Refrigerator Coils

11. Replace the Batteries in your Smoke Detector

12. Clean your Washing Machine Fill Hose and Dryer Vent

HVAC Evaluation 

It is vital to have your HVAC system inspected, serviced and cleaned on a regular basis, ideally every alternating season. Your heating system works hard during the wintertime and it’s best to have it looked at before it is shut off for the summer. Maintaining your HVAC system at the right times can prevent major HVAC problems and postpone an expensive replacement. We also recommend replacing your air filters after the winter months. Our team of plumbers has generations of experience in heating and cooling systems for commercial and residential properties if you need help inspecting or maintaining your HVAC system.  

Roof Inspection 

Your roof is one of your most valuable property assets. Springtime is the best time to have your roof inspected for any deterioration from the snow and ice. Even just slight roof damage can lead to water exposure and deterioration making your plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems venerable. Learn more about our roofing service. 

Clear the Area around your AC Compressor 

Your AC compressor needs good airflow to run efficiently. Make sure to remove your cover and clear any vegetation or debris to ensure breathing room. 

Drain your Water Heater 

Sediment builds up at the bottom of your water heater tank. We recommend that you drain your water heater twice a year to prolong its life and reduce your electric bill. To do this, use the spigot near the bottom of the heater. Due to the location of most spigots, you won’t be able to remove all the sediment but if you do this on a biannually, you will be able to significantly reduce the buildup over time.  

Check your Gutters and Foundation Vents  

It is best to do a thorough cleaning of your gutters in the fall before winter, but we recommend that you check your gutters and the downspout gooseneck for any debris and gunk that built up during the winter. This will prevent clogs in the systems that lead to water buildup, leaky roofs, and water damage to the exterior of your property.  

Foundation vents also become victim of debris strewn from winter storms. These tend to be the perfect catch all for leaves, twigs, and other organic material throughout the fall and winter seasons. Simply clean these vents out by hand or with a shop vacuum. 

Clean Exterior Surfaces 

It is recommended to clean the outside of your house, deck, driveway and/or fence. Not only is this a good annual practice to keep your property looking fresh, it also can help to reveal any damage that may have happened over the fall and winter months when the area(s) were covered in leaves and snow. A higher-pressure washer makes this job easier. At LM Construction and Mechanical, we have the only hot water hydro jetter in Santa Fe – this piece of equipment is designed to clean out entire plumbing systems however it is a great piece of equipment to use when cleaning exterior surfaces because of the amount of pressure and the heat of the water. Make this task easy and call us at 505.988.HOME to schedule an exterior cleaning of your property. 

Fix Cracks in your Walls, Walkways and Driveways 

Cracks in your property’s stucco, asphalt or concrete happen regularly due to the extreme New Mexico weather. If fixed and maintained annually, you can keep the maintenance expense on these repairs low. LM Construction and Mechanical has a great contracting team that specializes in stucco maintenance and repair. 

Repair Cracked Paint, Stain or Sealer 

A good paint job or re-stain of exterior wood can make your property look nice and provides a protective barrier against the elements. Because of our high elevation in New Mexico, it is best to repair cracks during the spring so that your house has a layer of protection against the sun and extreme heat in the summer. Learn more about LM Construction and Mechanical’s Five Step Process for Exterior Painting and Staining. 

Check Seals around Windows and Doors  

Winter weather will crack and harden caulk and weather seals over time. It is a good idea to check the seals around your windows and doors every year and repair and replace as needed. This will reduce your cooling bill and prevent water from entering your home.  

Vacuum your Refrigerator Coils 

You can find the coils to your refrigerator on the bottom or back of your refrigerator. It is recommended to vacuum or brush these coils at least once a year to help your refrigerator run more efficiently, last longer and keep the cost of your electric bill down. 

Replace the Batteries in your Smoke Detector 

We recommend changing your smoke detector batteries twice a year just to be on the safe side. You never know when you’ll need your smoke detector so it’s best to take the time to replace the batteries now. 

Clean your Washing Machine Fill Hose and Dryer Vent 

Spring is a good time to check your washing machine fill hose. A leaky hose under extreme pressure can cause major damage in a short period of time you want to keep an eye out for cracks that could become leaks.  

While you are inspecting your washer, we recommend clearing your dryer vent. Not all lent gets caught in the lint trap and over time a buildup of lent will accumulate in your dryer vent. A clean vent will save you money because it will reduce the time your dryer has to run. If a dryer vent becomes completely clogged, you are in danger of a house fire, so it is best to clean once a year.