2018 Spring Home & Garden 5 Spring Cleaning Checklist Once spring weather hits, most people get the itch to dust out the corners and coffers for a truly fresh start to the New Year. But many homeowners focus their attention on the inside of their houses and ignore im- portant maintenance on the outside. Consider the following updates to give your home a spring overhaul. Windows and Doors Windows and doors are the most common places for leaks, which can allow hot summer air in and cooled air out. As you clean, look for cracks in the caulking and weather strip- ping. If you notice any fogging up of glass in windows or doors over the winter, this could be a sign that the weather seal has been compromised. Air Conditioner Maintenance Just as you (hopefully) serviced your furnace in the fall, it is important to give your air conditioner the once over before you need it. This includes replacing the fi lter and checking hose connections. Performing this chore in the spring means you won’t have any surprises come summer. REMEMBER SAFETY FIRST! Before you plant... look up and call 811 before you dig. 787 Bailey Hill Rd. Eugene, OR 97402 541-484-1151 www.laneelectric.com Exterior Walls, Roof and Attic Do a perimeter sweep of the exterior of your home once all the snow melts away and you’re sure the last frost has come and gone. Look for damaged areas, especially near the gutters and foundation. Any openings are an invitation for water and small critters such as carpenter ants and termites. Additionally, it is important to check over your roof — especially after a rough or par- ticularly wet winter. Make plans to have any cracked or missing shingles replaced by a roofer. The Garage This is one “room” that gets ignored when it comes to our spring-induced zest for organization. In fact, 86 percent of Americans can’t even fi t their cars in their garage for all the stuff they store in it. It is time to reclaim the garage. Gather up recycling and take it to your local center. Organize the items you’ve been saving for the garage sale you still haven’t hosted and donate them. Grab a broom and give the garage fl oor a good sweep. No matter what level of clutter your garage houses, odds are it could use some TLC.