Spring Tuneup
Get Your Seasonal Stuff in Shape
Before starting up your irrigation system in the spring, check all irrigation heads to make sure they're not damaged or misaligned. And check your irrigation system for leaks, especially if there has been recent construction in your yard or if you might have winterized your system a bit later than you would have liked.
— Jill Wuertz, Denver Parks and Recreation Water Conservation Program
Now that the sun is finally back, it's likely that blooming flowers aren't the only things poking through that last layer of snow. Isn't that your outdoor grill lid sitting askew atop a filthy base? And that looks like your patio furniture sporting the last of winter's dripping icicles -- with a mushy paste of fall leaves in the chairs just for good measure. Oh, and is that your lawn mower hiding behind that melting snowman?
You love spring, but you can't say the same about spring home-and-garden preparation. Unfortunately, you can no longer ignore what the snow buried last November. Out of sight, out of mind doesn't apply -- because now you can see it. So it's time to get to work.
With a little discipline and determination, you can get your spring prep work out of the way so you can sit back (on your nice, clean patio furniture), relax (with some steaks on the grill) and watch your kid mow the lawn. For a great spring and an even better summer, focus on these five home-and-garden fixes.
Cool Down Those Hot Summer Nights
After months of trying to stay warm, it's time to flip the switch to cool air. But make sure your air-conditioning system is as ready as you are.
Tylor Maxfield of Airworx Heating and Cooling of Salt Lake City recommends a professional tuneup for your system, particularly when it comes to the cooling coils.
"The cooling coils are what need to stay clear and free in order for your system to operate properly," Maxfield said. "But it's easy to bend the fins."
Bent fins will damage your system and keep it from operating correctly. Other dangers include electrocution -- far more problematic than bent fins. So if you're not handy around the house, you might prefer to call in a professional, who can check and clean the coils, replace the filter, and check and replace fuses if necessary. While the cost of an air-conditioning checkup varies from city to city and from business to business, Maxfield says that the price is generally reasonable and worth it.
For the consummate do-it-yourselfer, and for ongoing maintenance and problem prevention, the most important step is maintaining a clean air filter. Filters should be changed frequently and according to individual manufacturer's specifications. Washable air filters are also available and can save money, but only if you regularly check and wash them.
In addition, hosing down the outside air-conditioning unit can help clean out accumulated debris. But don't use a high-pressure sprayer, warns Maxfield, or you could bend the cooling-coil fins. And be sure to disconnect any electrical portions of your air conditioner to avoid electric shock.
Get Wet, but Not Wild
Water, water everywhere is a nice but old-fashioned notion. The times call for conservation, which means not only paying attention to how much water you use, but also to how your sprinkler system is working.
Water conservationist Jill Wuertz of the Denver Parks and Recreation Water Conservation Program says that, in many areas, more than 50 percent of an average household's annual water consumption is from watering outside. Tame those bills while saving this precious natural resource.
On how to conserve, cut costs and keep your sprinkler system spraying all summer, Wuertz had this to say: "Before starting up your irrigation system in the spring, check all irrigation heads to make sure they're not damaged or misaligned. And check your irrigation system for leaks, especially if there has been recent construction in your yard or if you might have winterized your system a bit later than you would have liked."
Wuertz also says that irrigation heads vary greatly in the rate that water is applied. To determine how much water each zone or area in your system uses, do a simple "catch can test." Place small cans on the lawn and run each zone for 10 minutes to determine how long you must run each zone to apply the needed amount of water each season.
"Summer turf water requirements are about 1.5 inches of water per week in the peak of summer heat [in Denver]," Wuertz said, "but an inch of water may be adequate in September." Check with your parks and recreation department to find out water needs for your area.
And to save more money and give your system a break, turn your system off for a few days when your lawn gets adequate rainfall.
Get More From Your Mower
If you planned ahead, you did most of your maintenance work in the fall before storing your lawn mower for the winter months. But if you're like most people ... well, read on.
With mismanaged mowers, says Sarah-Frances Wallace, spokesperson for Lowe's Companies, Inc., there are definitely a few things you want to check before starting your engine.
"Replace or sharpen your mower blades," Wallace said. "Change the oil. Lubricate any moving parts of the mower with the manufacturer's lubricant to get all the pieces and parts running smoothly. Change or clean filters. Check the tire pressure. Then fuel up your gas tank, and you are ready to start mowing for the spring."
Grilling Out Is In
Don't plan the season's first neighborhood cookout only to find your grill in disrepair when the neighbors arrive. If you've done your routine maintenance, you should be fine. But we know you better than that -- and so do your neighbors. Lowe's Wallace has the answer.
"Several times throughout the year, and especially at the beginning and end of grilling season, it's smart to dismantle your grill and give it an extensive cleaning," she said. "If you have a gas grill, disconnect the propane tank before beginning the process. Then soak the grates in soapy water and scrub. If the racks are especially dirty, you can use a steel-wool pad.
"After cleaning your grill, turn it on and let it cook for 10 minutes. This will allow any residual cleaning supplies to burn off. It's also a good idea to check the chassis for rust. Rust easily comes off with a stiff wire brush or a steel-wool pad. The joints, connectors and fasteners should also be inspected to ensure they aren't corroding. And re-tightening fasteners, replacing grill appendages (wheels, knobs and handles) and checking hinges is a good idea."
Charcoal grills might seem less complex, but they still need care to ensure a long and smokin' hot life -- along with great-tasting food. So scrub yours down with a wire brush, including the grates, the bed and the ash catcher, Wallace says.
And to keep it in shape, dump all the used charcoal or ash after each use and clean it thoroughly every time. "By keeping the bed of your grill clean, you'll cut down on excess smoke and bad flavors," Wallace said.
Sitting in Style
After all that work, you'll want to sit down. And while patio furniture is obviously made for the outdoors, that doesn't mean you can neglect the most important component of your backyard comfort. When the spring sun casts your furniture in an unflattering light, a little cleanup is usually all that's required.
"You can clean most outdoor furniture -- including wicker -- with a mild soap and water," said Wallace. "A pressure washer with 1,200 to 1,350 psi is useful for cleaning many types of outdoor furniture, but you must use a low setting."
Cast-iron furniture is durable, but it does rust. "Make sure to use touch-up paint on any exposed or scratched iron furniture," Wallace said.
No conditioning oil is needed for wicker, cast iron and most other materials. However, consult the store where you bought the furniture to see if there are any special care instructions for your particular pieces.
Maintenance Is the Key
Sure, you've neglected your outdoor accouterments. It's hard to focus on grills and lawn mowers when you're shopping for snow shovels. But routine maintenance and cleaning are the keys to a long life for your outdoor equipment and furniture.
"It is especially important to repair and clean any outdoor equipment and furniture at the end of the season, before it is put in storage," Wallace said. "Be sure to keep and follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and care. While in storage, make sure your grill, lawn mower and patio furniture are covered properly and stored in a place where they are protected from the winter elements. Make sure when storing patio furniture that any water in the legs is drained, as you do not want the water to freeze and split any metal."
Don't Hesitate to Call an Expert
Most routine maintenance and cleaning of your outdoor equipment can be done on your own, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.
"You usually know when a repair is outside of your comfort zone," Wallace said, "so be sure to call in an expert or call the customer-service line on the manufacturer's packaging if you need additional information and help."
So stay safe, stay sane and plan to enjoy your home and yard this spring and summer. And resolve to make regular maintenance a part of the season. After all, spring will be back again next year -- and this time, you'll be ready.
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
