Spring home maintenance checklist

Wind, hail and ice loosen roofing over the winter, and a small leak is far cheaper to fix than the ceiling below it. Leave the climbing to an insured roofer.

EPA's guide to mold and moisture says to clean and repair roof gutters regularly so water does not collect around the building.

EPA advises making sure the ground slopes away from the foundation so that water does not enter or collect around it.

Roof leaks and animal damage almost always show in the attic before they show on a ceiling.

EPA advises inspecting and maintaining all painted surfaces; in a home built before 1978, repairs or repainting that disturb paint should be done by a lead-safe certified contractor.

ENERGY STAR says to check the cooling system in the spring, so a technician can clean the coils and check the refrigerant charge before you need it.

ENERGY STAR recommends inspecting, cleaning or changing air filters once a month in a central air conditioner, furnace or heat pump.

ENERGY STAR lists checking and inspecting the condensate drain as part of routine maintenance; a plugged line backs water up into the air handler or the ceiling.

Ready.gov's flood preparation advice includes installing check valves and considering a sump pump with a battery backup.

Ready.gov tells homeowners to declutter drains and gutters before flood season.

EPA WaterSense's Sprinkler Spruce-Up is four steps each spring: inspect for breaks and leaks, check the connections, direct the spray onto the landscape, and select a WaterSense labeled controller.

EPA says that when wet materials are dried 24 to 48 hours after a leak or spill, in most cases mold will not grow.

The US Fire Administration says to test alarms monthly and to replace a smoke alarm 10 years from its manufacture date.

Winter storms weaken limbs long before they fall. Never prune near a power line yourself: call the utility or a certified arborist.