The signs are all around us. Daylight Saving Time is here and first day of spring is barely a week away.
Of course Coloradans know that the coming warmer weather will be interrupted with March and April snowstorms, but there will be plenty of opportunities to break out of the winter doldrums and enjoy the outdoors. It’s also a great opportunity to plan and schedule outdoor projects and repairs.

Here are a few things to consider as you look forward to a beautiful Colorado summer.

Take a Walk. Make a List
Walk around your property and make a list of things that need attention.

Look for burned-out lights and broken fixtures that need replacement or repair. Check your outdoor outlets and switches for damage and schedule repairs as needed. Remember, too, that electrical codes and safety require that all outdoor outlets be weatherproof and protected by ground fault interrupters (GFI outlets). Note places that need more or better lighting or outlets to get the most out of your summer evenings.

Look Up
Check for weak or overhanging tree limbs and other damage that creates hazards for power lines and property. They’ll be leafing out soon and susceptible to overloading by wet, heavy spring snowfalls.

Don’t try to trim branches close to power lines yourself. A professional tree or landscaping service has the tools and expertise to handle the job safely and keep your trees and shrubs healthy and ready for their summer growth.

Gutters and downspouts can clog with debris over the winter and may have been damaged by ice and snow. Be sure they’re intact and flowing well. Blocked gutters can ruin a roof and soffits and leaky downspouts can cause drainage problems resulting in foundation damage. Waterlogged soils can drown foundation plantings and cause shock hazards around outdoor outlets and fixtures too. They’re also a prime source of basement leaks, so make sure your sump pump(s) work.

Plan and Schedule Your Outdoor Projects Early
Is this the year you add patio or landscape lighting? Build an outdoor kitchen or living room?

Get a head start on outdoor improvements before contractors are jammed up with requests. Outdoor living and kitchen spaces involve planning, especially when electrical or plumbing is involved. Early spring is the time to install underground plumbing and electrical before you start planting trees, gardens and beds. Call 811 before you dig to locate existing underground utilities and be sure to mark where new lines are so you don’t damage them when digging in the future.

Maintain Your HVAC System
Forced air heating and central air usually use the same duct work and filtration system, so clean or replace air filters as needed and have your AC unit serviced to make sure it’s ready for the cooling season to come.

If it’s time to replace your furnace or air conditioner, consider getting a heat pump or mini-split system instead. They not only save money and help the environment, there are tax incentives and rebates that lower the cost of conversion substantially. Check them out here.

And don’t forget to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Keep Your Generator in Good Shape
March and April are the snowiest months along Colorado’s northern Front Range, so while you’re planning for the warm days to come, don’t let winter’s last gasps catch you unprepared.

Spring snowstorms are heavy and wet, bringing down branches and power lines. Lightning and high winds can also knock out power throughout the summer months.

If you have a gasoline-powered backup generator, make sure it’s ready to go and you have plenty of fuel on hand. If you don’t need it, it’ll be there for your lawnmower (or snowblower).

Click here for generator maintenance tips.

Get Pros Involved
Electrical and plumbing work are jobs best left to licensed professionals, especially outdoors where shoddy electrical work can be deadly and redoing it can be expensive. Consult with pros early in the planning and design stage to avoid unpleasant surprises and unnecessary expenses. The same goes for major tree and landscaping projects. A little upfront investment in expertise can save major headaches down the road.

Remodeling, renovations, and additions need top-notch electrical work, and Allstar Electrical Services delivers the quality results you expect and deserve. We work hand-in-hand with you and your contractors to ensure your new project is done right, on budget, and on schedule. We’ve served the Front Range for over 20 years, are top-rated by the BBB and are proud to be an Angi’s Home Advisor Preferred Contractor. Whatever your electrical needs, call Allstar Electrical at 303.399.7420 or visit our website. Then use our handy on-line forms to request an estimate or set up an appointment.