With the arrival of spring comes the traditional season of cleaning, but the chores we all need to do to mark the end of winter shouldn't be regarded as a bad thing. The purpose of spring cleaning is to prepare your home, so you'll be all ready to enjoy the warmer seasons. 

Part of the essential preparation includes any seasonal maintenance you need to do on your home to ensure it is in working order and no unexpected disasters are waiting around the corner. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to mark off your checklist this spring to make sure you've got all of your bases covered for a safe and comfortable home. 

Ensure Your Air Conditioner is in Good Working Order

The last thing you want to do is to wait until the dog days of summer when you need the AC running for several days in a row to discover that it needs to be repaired or that you need a new air conditioner installation. Aside from the discomfort, this is the busiest time of year for AC techs and finding one on short notice in the summer can be a problem. Part of your spring cleaning must include testing your AC and routine air conditioning maintenance.

Some basics you can do with the help of your manual include:

• Cleaning the vents inside your home.
• Changing the unit's air filter.
• Removing the exterior cover and clearing out leaves, twigs, pollen, etc., from the outside unit.
• Inspecting the insulation around the coolant lines to look for cracks or damage. 

If your AC isn't functioning as it should after cleaning and testing it, it may require repairs or a replacement. 

Warning signs that your unit needs professional service include warm air coming from the vents, poor circulation of cold air, incorrect thermostat readings, unpleasant odours from the vents, water or freon leaks, increased energy bills, loud noises from the unit, and excess humidity in your home when the AC is on.

Clean Out Your Eavestroughs

To prevent water damage to your foundation, driveway and patio, you must clean out your eavestroughs to ensure that all that springtime rain drains into your downpipe and away from these areas. 

Accumulation of debris in your gutters can cause water to pool and overflow, spilling onto your deck, driveway and lawn. Over time, that water can speed up the decomposition of the wood used in your patio and cause cracks in your driveway and foundation. Water seepage through the foundation and into your home is a common contributor to mould growth in basements.

Resealing Your Exterior Structures

To really protect and prolong the life of exterior components of your home, including your driveway, walkway, siding, deck and other landscaping, it's crucial to regularly reseal them every spring.

You can find various commercial sealers that function as barriers to fend off water, dirt and oil that safeguard wood, brick, stone and pavers. It's essential to select sealers that are recommended for your particular materials. Before you go out and buy them, however, inspect the structures and repair any damages first.