Money-Saving Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring cleaning is a great way to freshen up the house and shake off those winter blues. It’s also the perfect time to make small repairs that can help prevent costly homeowner’s insurance claims to save you money down the road.

So, this year, as you’re vacuuming and dusting, take a moment to tackle these items to help ensure your home is thoroughly ready for the months ahead.

Clean your dryer vent.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 3,000 home dryer fires happen every year, causing $35 million in property loss annually.¹ Cleaning dryer vents can prevent about a third of those fires. Make sure to clean your lint trap after every use.

Change the batteries on all detectors, including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Spring is a great time to change out batteries around the house to make sure all detectors are in proper working order. In addition, you should conduct a monthly check to ensure the detectors are functioning properly.

Examine the windows and doors. Inspect caulking and seams around the windows and doors to look for cracks where moisture can enter and cause damage. Replace old and dried out caulking. 

Check for appliance leaks. Look for signs of leakage around your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, water heater, and other appliances that use water. Small leaks can lead to major damage. 

Clean up yard materials. Trim dead branches from trees and tidy up shrubbery. Keep branches away from utility wires and all shrubbery away from windows to help prevent theft. Also check outdoor areas for any broken, uneven, or cracked surfaces. Fix as necessary to prevent accidents on your property.

Clean gutters and downspouts. Remove leaves, sticks, and other debris so that spring showers can flow freely. Ensure that gutters are secure and downspouts drain away from your foundation.

¹ Topical Fire Report Series:"Clothes Dryer Fires in Residential Buildings.” U.S. Fire Administration, FEMA, Aug 2012, https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/v13i7.pdf. The content of this article is for informational purposes only. AAA does not guarantee any particular outcome.To make sure your homeowner’s insurance is up-to-date, visit AAA.com/HomeInsurance.