Just because our Australian winters aren’t quite as dramatic as the icy hibernations of the Northern Hemisphere doesn’t mean our properties survive the cold weather completely unscathed. You don’t need to be copping heavy snow for your heating system and gutters to be getting a workout. Never fear though, as repairing winter damage and preparing for warmer weather don’t have to be strenuous tasks. Here are 10 steps to ensure you’re on top of everything the seasons throw at you.
1. Whether you go down the professional or DIY route, take the time to clean out your heating system and replace any necessary features, like filters, to ensure smooth functionality
2. For an allergy-free spring, vacuum, dust or wash textiles which don’t often get a look at. This includes curtains and cushion covers, both prime offenders in the collection of dust and dustmites during the cooler months.
3. Find a free weekend to clean out the gutters. It’s important to clear out leaf litter before its weight damages the gutter structure or before it dries out and becomes a hazard in fire season.
4. Have a check in the backyard to make sure no vegetation has been damaged by stormy weather. Spring is a peak time for tree lopping as strong wintry winds can often push trees or branches into awkward and unwanted positions.
5. It’s time to switch around bed linen from thicker, heat-capturing materials to lighter sheets more appropriate for the warmer nights.
6. Change your garden watering routine to suit the later nights and higher levels of evaporation.
7. Unfortunately, many of us are less likely to use the appropriate ventilation systems in colder weather so be sure to deep-clean the bathroom for signs of mould.
8. Check for cracks and gaps around the foundations of windows and doors and seal them up before any insects start to take refuge inside your home.
9. Weed the garden - you never know what’s been sprouting as your back’s been turned.
10. Get brainstorming about what odd jobs and home improvement projects you might get on the road this spring season!