As the warmth of spring approaches, it’s easy to forget the damage that harsh winter weather may have done to your house. A bit of spring maintenance now can prevent costly repair bills later. Review these 10 tips for spring maintenance to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

•  INSPECT YOUR ROOF. Repair any damage caused by snow or ice to prevent leaks during spring storms.
• CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS. Regularly check and clear debris from your gutters and downspouts. This will prevent water from overflowing and reduce the risk of water damage.
• CHECK YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR. Change the batteries in your smoke detector and test every smoke detector to ensure it’s working properly.
• STOP LEAKS. Check the seals around your windows and doors for cracking or hardening caulk.
• BEWARE OF TREES. Visually inspect trees for damage or rot. Remove dead or unhealthy trees, which could fall in heavy winds.
• CLEAN THE AIR CONDITIONER. Clean or replace your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) filters. A dirty filter will force your system to work harder, which can be costly and inefficient.
• INSPECT WIRES. Check for frayed wires, loose outlets or cracked plugs. Make sure no cords or outlets are overloaded.
• PREVENT WATER DAMAGE. Check connecting pipes and hoses on all water appliances (e.g., dishwashers, laundry, sinks and toilets) for cracks, leaks or dampness.
• REPAIR CRACKS Create a safer walking and driving area by fixing cracks in the driveway and sidewalk.
• TOUCH UP THE LAWN MOWER. Change the oil on your lawn mower and sharpen the blades.