April brings longer days and the promise of beautiful weather to come. And spring 2021 also brings hopeful signs that backyard gatherings with friends and neighbors will be back as COVID-19 makes an overdue exit.
But April is also the snowiest months along Colorado’s northern Front Range, so while you’re planning for the warm days to come, don’t let winter’s last gasps catch you unprepared.
Schedule Tree and Shrub Service
Walk around your property and check for weak or overhanging tree limbs and other damage that creates hazards for power lines and property. Don’t try to trim branches close to power lines yourself. A professional tree service has the tools and experience to handle it safely and keep your trees and shrubs healthy and ready for their summer growth.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts can clog with debris over the winter and may have been damaged by ice and snow. Be sure they’re intact and flowing well. Blocked gutters can ruin a roof and soffits and leaky downspouts can cause drainage problems resulting in foundation damage. Waterlogged soils can drown foundation plantings and cause shock hazards around outdoor outlets and fixtures, too. They’re also a prime source of basement leaks, so make sure your sump pump(s) work.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Forced air heating and central air usually use the same duct work and filtration system, so clean or replace air filters as needed and have your AC unit serviced to make sure it’s ready for the cooling season to come.
Keep Your Generator in Good Shape
Spring snowstorms are heavy and wet, bringing down branches and power lines. If you have a gasoline-powered backup generator, make sure it’s still ready to go and you have plenty of fuel on hand. If you don’t need it, it’ll be there for your lawnmower (or snowblower).
Click here for generator maintenance tips.
Start Scheduling Outdoor Projects
While you’re inspecting your property, look for burned-out lights and broken fixtures that need replacement or repair. Note places that need more or better lighting or outlets to get the most out of your summer evenings.
Get a head start on outdoor improvements before contractors are jammed up with requests. Outdoor living and kitchen spaces involve planning, especially if electrical or plumbing is involved. Early spring is the time to install underground plumbing and electrical before you start planting trees, gardens and beds. Call 811 before you dig to locate existing underground utilities and be sure to mark where new lines are so you don’t damage them when digging in the future.
Get Pros Involved
Electrical and plumbing work are jobs best left to licensed professionals, especially outdoors where shoddy electrical work can be deadly and redoing plumbing can be expensive. Consult with pros early in the planning and design stage to avoid unpleasant surprises and unnecessary expenses. The same goes for major tree and landscaping projects. A little upfront investment in expertise can save major headaches down the road.
Remodeling, renovations, and additions need top-notch electrical work, and Allstar Electrical Services delivers the quality results you expect and deserve. We work hand-in-hand with you and your contractors to ensure your new project is done right, on budget and on schedule.
We’ve served the Front Range for over 20 years, are top-rated by the BBB and Angie’s List, and are proud to be a Home Advisor Preferred Contractor.
Whatever your electrical needs, call Allstar Electrical at (303) 399-7420 or visit our website. Then use our handy on-line forms to request an estimate or set up an appointment.