With Daylight Savings Time in our rear-view, the days are only getting longer from here on out. That means you have more hours in the day to get to all those chores you’ve let pile up over the winter. Although you might have better ideas on how to spend your time as the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, make sure you devote some of it towards these essential springtime chores. They can help you grow your savings.
Clean your fridge
When was the last time you moved your fridge from its spot in your kitchen? If you’re having a hard time remembering ever doing this chore, you’ll want to tackle this right away. This appliance has plenty of nooks and crannies where dust and debris can collect. If left to build up, dirt could lead to a costly breakdown.
Dust and other grime most often collect around the fridge’s condenser fan and coils. These essential parts prevent the fridge from overheating while it operates. If a solid layer of dirt insulates the condenser coils or fan, your fridge will struggle to keep its cool.
The result is a fridge that works harder than it needs to, which means you can expect to pay higher utility bills. It may also reduce the appliance’s lifespan.
Without anywhere to go, the heat could cause damage that requires a professional’s help. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll have to replace your fridge altogether. A brand new refrigerator could cost you thousands of dollars!
You can skip a costly bill by cleaning this area of your fridge. In most cases, you only need a vacuum. Check out this tutorial for pointers and remember to always unplug your fridge before you take on this task.
Prune your trees
The trees surrounding your property may not be looking their best after a rough winter. Strong winds and inclement weather can do severe structural damage, leaving them worse for wear in the spring.
As the weather starts to change, take a good look at your property. Keep a sharp eye out for any broken branches that hang near your house, garage, or driveway. A strong gust can rip these damaged limbs from the tree and cause significant damage to your property.
Small trees are simple to prune on your own, but you should look into hiring a professional for mature trees. You likely don’t have the equipment, skills, or experience to deal with removing large limbs from great heights.
Professional tree services vary in costs, and the price you might end up paying depends largely on the task and size of your tree. However, you can expect:
- General tree pruning to range between $375 and $525
- Tree removal to range between $1,050 and $1,450
This is a considerable investment, so you may need to put this chore on the back burner while you save up.
In an emergency that threatens your home or your well-being, you can turn to an online loan for help. These short term loans bridge the gap between your savings and a necessary service, so you can take on preventative tree trimming if there’s an immediate danger of damage being caused. Their size and terms vary greatly depending on where you live, so check this out to learn more about your options before you apply.
Clear out your gutters
The gutters lining your roof play an important role in the upkeep of your home. They redirect water away from your house, protecting your roof, foundation, and property at large. Sticks, leaves, and other debris can prevent your gutters from doing their job.
You can tell if your gutters are blocked if there’s a cascade of water running off your roof any time it rains. Another sign you may have clogged gutters is standing pools of water around your house.
These puddles do more than soak your socks. Stagnant water could do damage to your house if it’s an ongoing problem. Regularly saturated soil puts extra pressure on your foundation. If left unchecked, it could cause a crack.
Repairing your foundation is a major undertaking that usually requires a professional service. Most homeowners end up paying around $4,000 to repair their foundation; however, it may cost more than $10,000 if it requires significant repairs.
By comparison, hiring a professional to clean your gutters shouldn’t cost you more than $200. Or, you can do it yourself for free. For your safety, make sure you always have a spotter at the bottom of your ladder!
This spring, be proactive
A lot of the biggest expenses you face as a homeowner might be avoidable if you just invest in preventative maintenance. So take some time to check in on your property — assess your trees, gutters, and kitchen appliances to make sure they’re all in good shape. The time you put in now could help you save a considerable chunk of cash this spring!
