After this warm weekend we had, it really feels like spring has arrived. If you own a home, now is a great time to go over some of the outdoor maintenance items your home inspector hopefully told you about when you bought your home! 
Take a look at the compressor (pictured right) for your air conditioner to make sure the fins are clean. Remove any debris from the exterior of the unit, and check all four sides for dust and dirt accumulation. If the fins are dirty, you can wash them down with a sprayer on a garden hose. Don’t even think about using a power washer for this – the pressure will be much too great, and you’ll end up damaging the fins. Keeping these fins clean will help to keep your air conditioner running efficiently during the summer.
Inspect your roof for damage by looking for any types of irregularities in the pattern of the shingles. Any suspicious areas should be further evaluated by a qualified person, and repaired as neccessary.
Turn on any bath fans you have, the kitchen fan if it exhausts to the exterior, and the dryer vent. Now take a slow walk around the exterior, looking for peeling paint or rotting wood, with a focus on areas that get little sunlight, or areas close to the ground. Paint is what keeps the exterior surfaces sealed, and missing paint can quickly lead to rotted areas. While you’re walking around the exterior, make sure that all of the exhaust fans are truly exhausting to the exterior, and check your dryer vent for lint accumulation.
If you come across a condition at your home that you’re not sure about, send me a photo and ask about it. I’ll give free professional advice.
Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech Home Inspections – Email – Website
